Broken trust: Inside England's maternity scandal

Broken trust: Inside England's maternity scandal

Author: The Times February 23, 2026 Duration: 42:30

Over the past decade, thousands of families say they have been failed by England's maternity services. With a review into 12 NHS trusts due to publish its interim findings this week, we hear from some of those affected. What went wrong? And can future tragedies can be prevented?


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Guest: Poppy Koronka, health correspondent, The Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Producer: Shabnam Grewal. 

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com


If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised, the following organisations may be able to help:


  • Sands is a UK charity that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby. Please visit www.sands.org.uk or call the helpline on 0808 164 3332
  • The Birth Trauma Association is a charity that supports women and families who have experienced traumatic birth. Visit www.birthtraumaassociation.org or call the helpline on 0203 621 6338
  • Tommy's is a charity focused on pregnancy research in the UK. Visit their website www.tommys.org or call 0800 0147 800


Read more: NHS maternity failings leave women feeling blamed for poor care

Clips: Parliament TV, Channel 4 News, Ockenden Maternity Review, Sky News,

Photo: Getty Images.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


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Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
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