A BBC Panorama investigation has uncovered that maternity staff at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust repeatedly used offensive language to refer to patients, with former midwives and internal documents revealing a culture of disrespect.
The investigation, which examined documents and spoke to former midwives, found that staff used dehumanising terms and were encouraged not to be too kind to women in their care. One phrase captured in the documents was 'Don't be too kind,' reflecting an attitude that prioritised efficiency over compassion.
“BBC Panorama uncovers that Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust maternity staff used offensive terms for patients, including 'Don't be too kind'. Former midwives and documents reveal a culture of disrespect.”
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has been under intense scrutiny over its maternity services following a series of scandals and a high number of avoidable baby deaths. The trust has previously been criticised for poor communication, lack of transparency and a blame culture. This latest allegation adds to concerns about the treatment of patients.
Former midwives who spoke to the BBC said the use of offensive terminology was not isolated to a few individuals but was part of a broader problem within the trust. They described a working environment where staff felt it was acceptable to talk about patients in a derogatory manner. The documents seen by Panorama corroborated these accounts.
The trust serves a large population across Nottingham and the surrounding region in the East Midlands. The revelations are likely to alarm local families, particularly those who have used or are currently using the trust's maternity services. Nottinghamshire has seen a number of campaigns for better maternity care, and the findings may fuel further calls for reform.
NHS England has previously warned that a 'too kind' culture in some trusts can lead to complacency and poor outcomes. However, the Panorama evidence suggests the opposite problem: a lack of basic respect. The term 'Don't be too kind' implies that staff were actively discouraged from showing empathy.
The trust has said it takes all allegations seriously but did not comment directly on the specific claims. In a statement, it said it had been working to improve its maternity services and had introduced new training for staff. The findings from Panorama are expected to put further pressure on the trust to address cultural issues.
What happens next? The trust will face renewed pressure to respond to the allegations. An internal investigation or referral to the Care Quality Commission is possible. The trust's leadership may be questioned by local MPs and NHS England. The Panorama documentary will likely prompt a formal review of how patients are treated and spoken to in maternity units.
What This Means For You If you or your family use maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, this investigation raises serious questions about the standard of care. You may wish to ask your midwife or hospital about their policies on patient dignity. Expect increased scrutiny and possibly a review of how the trust handles complaints. For patients across the UK, this case highlights the importance of speaking up if you feel you are being treated disrespectfully. The NHS has clear guidelines that all patients should be treated with compassion, and any breach should be reported.