Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has appointed Sascha Wells-Munro OBE as its new Director of Midwifery, as the organisation continues a major programme of improvements to its maternity and neonatal services.
Sascha, formerly Deputy Chief Midwifery Officer for England, will take up the post in the New Year, bringing extensive experience of leading maternity service transformation and quality improvement across the NHS.
Her appointment comes at a significant time for Leeds Teaching Hospitals, where a range of improvement measures are already underway following a 2025 Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating of ‘inadequate’ for maternity services and ‘requires improvement’ for neonatal services. An independent review of maternity and neonatal care is also currently taking place, led by Donna Ockenden.
Sascha joins Leeds from York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where she has served as Director of Midwifery since August 2023.
During her time there, she played a key leadership role in the improvement of maternity services, helping secure an upgrade from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ from the Care Quality Commission in September 2026.
Her career also includes senior improvement roles with NHS Improvement and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, where she led significant service improvement programmes within maternity care.
Speaking about her appointment, Sascha outlined her commitment to working alongside staff, families and stakeholders to strengthen care across Leeds. Sascha said:
“I’m looking forward to joining Leeds Teaching Hospitals and working alongside my new colleagues to continue improving maternity and neonatal services across the city.
“I recognise the challenges that lie ahead, but I have already been struck by the determination and commitment of teams in Leeds to deliver the changes families want and deserve.
“We will work openly and transparently with families, the Independent Review team and our regulators, ensuring that we learn, improve and make meaningful, lasting changes.
“Much of this work has already begun, and I know there is still more to do. I am committed to building on that foundation by ensuring the voices of families, communities and colleagues help shape our future direction.
“We all share the same goal: providing high-quality, safe, compassionate and equitable care for every family we serve.”
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says the appointment will strengthen leadership across maternity and neonatal services as improvement work continues.
Beverley Geary, Chief Nurse at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“I’m delighted that Sascha is joining us as Director of Midwifery. She brings a wealth of experience in improving maternity services and a deep commitment to ensuring women, babies and families receive outstanding care. We know further improvements are needed here in Leeds and we look forward to working together as we continue to transform our maternity and neonatal services.”
The appointment is expected to play a key role in supporting Leeds Teaching Hospitals' ongoing improvement journey, with a strong focus on safety, quality, transparency and engagement with families.
As the Trust responds to regulatory findings and participates in the ongoing independent review, leadership experience in maternity transformation will be critical to delivering sustainable improvements and rebuilding public confidence in services.
With a track record of leading successful turnarounds in maternity care, Sascha’s arrival marks another important step in Leeds’ efforts to provide consistently safe, compassionate and high-quality care for women, babies and families across the region.
Image credit: Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
