Dr. Maxwell Mclean (max), former Chair of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, did exactly what we need all NHS leaders to do - identify avoidable risks, challenge failures, and fight for patient safety.  

Instead of being supported by his CEO and fellow board members, he was forced out for speaking out.

Before Christmas, Richard, Kayleigh, Colin and I met with The Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP to discuss maternity safety and share information about our research into cases of avoidable harm and death in England, Scotland, Wates and Northern Ireland’s maternity units.  We highlighted serious concerns that exist across multiple NHS trusts, including Bradford.  He shared his fear of waking up to yet another maternity scandal. 

Well, Bradford is one of those scandals.

Max exposed critical failures, including:

Preventable baby deaths

Delays in investigating baby deaths

Suicide risks among staff being ignored

Serious failings in infection control

An independent investigation found his concerns to be proven - including that the CEO’s actions fell short of what is expected of someone in her position.

But instead of taking action to prevent further harm, NHS England dismissed the findings, claiming there was "no evidence that patients or staff had been harmed." This is an outright rejection of the evidence and an insult to the families destroyed by avoidable mistakes.

But this isn’t just about Bradford.  It’s about a culture of silencing those who speak up for safety.  Whistleblowers like Max should be supported, not punished.

Before joining the NHS, Max was Head of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team in West Yorkshire Police, serving as Detective Chief Superintendent.  He knows how to investigate serious harm, hold people accountable, and demand justice.  

And that’s exactly why he was forced out.

This is not just a fight for Max.  It’s a fight for every patient, every family, and every NHS staff member who deserves better.

If we allow leaders who expose failings to be silenced, how many more babies will die needlessly?

If you believe whistleblowers should be protected - not punished - please support Max’s fight for accountability.  You can read more and follow his crowdfunding link here.

Let’s stand together for truth, accountability, and safety in maternity care in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  And through so doing, SHOW Wes Streeting that failing leaders in Trust’s like Bradford’s, who refused to accept their failings and instead force whistleblowing colleagues to resign, have no place in the NHS we all fund and are expected to trust.