NHS maternity scandal to be dramatised with Jason Isaacs
The most significant maternity scandal in the NHS's history is set to be adapted into a TV drama featuring Jason Isaacs, known for his role in Harry Potter, as Jack Hawkins. The narrative follows Jack and Sarah Hawkins, whose daughter Harriet tragically passed away before birth at Nottingham City Hospital in 2016. A review revealed that more than 500 mothers and infants experienced potentially preventable harm or fatalities due to shortcomings at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust. The Hawkins family advocated for answers for years; an external review in 2018 identified 13 failings and determined that Harriet's death was 'almost certainly preventable.' The broader Ockenden review commenced in September 2022. This drama is inspired by the ITV documentary Maternity: Broken Trust, directed by Laura Warner, who also serves as executive producer. Produced by Cuba Pictures and directed by Jim Loach, a release date has yet to be announced. Tracy Pilcher, the chief nurse at NUH, expressed regret and affirmed the trust's dedication to enhancing maternity care.
Key facts
- Jason Isaacs will play Jack Hawkins in a drama about the Nottingham maternity scandal.
- Over 500 mothers and babies suffered potentially avoidable harm or died at NUH.
- Harriet Hawkins died before delivery at Nottingham City Hospital in 2016.
- An external review in 2018 found 13 failings and said Harriet's death was 'almost certainly preventable'.
- The drama is based on the ITV documentary 'Maternity: Broken Trust'.
- Laura Warner, director of the documentary, is an executive producer of the series.
- The series is produced by Cuba Pictures and directed by Jim Loach.
- NUH chief nurse Tracy Pilcher apologized for the failings.
Entities
Artists
- Jason Isaacs
- Jack Hawkins
- Sarah Hawkins
- Harriet Hawkins
- Donna Ockenden
- Laura Warner
- Jim Loach
- Tracy Pilcher
Institutions
- NHS
- Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust
- Nottingham City Hospital
- ITV
- Cuba Pictures
- Royal Television Society
- BBC
Locations
- Nottingham
- United Kingdom