Two Men Arrested Over Mortuary Practices at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust

Two men, aged 55 and 59, were arrested on Monday, June 22, 2026, in connection with the operating practices of the mortuary services managed by the Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust. The arrests were made on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.

The investigation, known as Operation Perth, was launched in 2023 following reports of maternity failings that resulted in hundreds of babies being injured or dying. As part of this police work, authorities discovered breaches of the Human Tissue Act regarding how the mortuary services were managed and operated.

The NUH Trust operates these mortuary services at the Nottingham City Hospital and the Queen's Medical Centre under a license from the Human Tissue Authority. Following the arrests, the two men were released on bail under strict conditions.

Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin stated that the police have already contacted families identified as being directly impacted by the issues found within the trust's mortuaries. He noted that other affected families will be contacted as they are identified during the ongoing investigation.

This police action runs alongside a separate, extensive maternity inquiry led by independent senior midwife Donna Ockenden. That review involves approximately 2,500 cases and began in September 2022 following allegations of harm to mothers and infants.

Manjeet Shehmar, the medical director at NUH, stated that the trust takes concerns regarding its services seriously and is cooperating fully with the investigation. The trust has directed anyone with concerns about the care of their loved ones to its Patient Liaison Service (PALs).

In addition to the current arrests, police launched a corporate manslaughter case in June of last year as part of Operation Perth. Furthermore, the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the General Medical Council are investigating allegations against individual staff members.