1,700 victims of the NHS's worst ever MATERNITY SCANDAL

AN inquiry into baby deaths is expected to uncover the biggest maternity scandal in NHS history involving at least 1,700 families.

- MARTIN BAGOT

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed yesterday families will receive an apology after dozens of deaths and serious injuries.

NUH chairman Nick Carver promised a "new and honest relationship" with the families it served.

It accepted its maternity services were unsafe following more than 200 negligence claims since 2010 with nearly £90million compensation paid.

The review, headed by midwifery expert Donna Ockenden, is set to investigate hundreds more cases.

At yesterday's public meeting, Ms Ockenden said behind the numbers, mums and babies had suffered "often avoidable, lifechanging harm made worse by fighting to be heard".

She added: "I know there are local families struggling to care for babies left severely brain damaged. I heard from a mother whose baby is so poorly she asks herself regularly, would it have been better if my baby had passed away?".