Maternity services at Nottingham hospitals rated 'requires improvement' again
The health watchdog rated the services at Nottingham City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre
The health watchdog has once again rated maternity services at Nottingham City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre as requires improvement for being safe and well-led.
The Care Quality Commission visited the hospitals in June and July after concerns were raised by staff.
It found seven breaches of safe care and treatment across the two sites.
Helen Rawlings, interim director of network operations in the midlands, said:
“When we inspected maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in June and July last year, we found some improvements had been made, although more changes were needed to improve the standard of care women, people using the services, and their babies were receiving.
"Prior to the inspection, we were concerned by information we received from whistleblowers, who expressed their concerns regarding both services.
“In both maternity services, people felt safe when they were on the wards and in the labour suite. However, a number of people told us that there were delays with induction processes. Also, staff weren’t always available if they needed any help or support.
“It’s clear that staff and leaders had worked hard to make some improvements, and since the inspection last year, leaders have assured us that further improvements have been made. We’ll continue to monitor the trust to ensure that more changes are made and embedded so women, people using the service and their babies receive the safe care they have a right to expect.”
The Head of Nottingham University Hospitals says the breaches have been addressed.
Anthony May said:
"We know that more must be done to improve the quality of care that women and families receive, but our communities can be assured that we are moving in the right direction.”