Statement regarding the release of the Ockenden Report

Following the release today (Wednesday 30 March) of the Ockenden Report – the independent review into maternity care and treatment at the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust - we want to provide an update on the ongoing police investigation, which has been running concurrently.

Detective Chief Superintendent Damian Barratt, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have been liaising closely with the Ockenden Review and are, of course, aware of the release of the report today.

“Our investigation, named Operation Lincoln, was launched in 2017 to explore whether there is evidence to support a criminal case against the Trust or any individuals involved. This investigation remains ongoing and very much active.

“This is a highly complex and very sensitive investigation that has required us to speak to a large number of people to gather as much information as we can. We are also consulting with a number of medical specialists to ensure our investigation is thorough and that the best possible investigation is completed for the families involved.

“No arrests have been made and no charges have been brought, however we are engaging with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as our enquiries continue. We will be fully reviewing the findings of the report and feeding appropriate elements into our investigation.

“We do not underestimate the impact the report’s findings and our ongoing investigation has on the families involved, who have suffered unimaginable trauma and grief that they still live with today. Our thoughts remain with them, and we can reassure the community that when there is an update on our investigation we will share this with the families involved first and foremost and then to the wider public."

If you believe you have information that will aid our investigation into maternity services at the Trust please visit: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/22HQ19D84-PO1.

 

Issued by RJ, Corporate Communications