Watchdog issues new reports on hospitals’ maternity services after concerns raised

LATEST TWO INSPECTIONS WERE PROMPTED BY STAFF WHO MADE DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE CQC

-  JOSHUA HARTLEY

THE health watchdog has issued a new update on Nottingham’s maternity services after whistleblowers raised concerns.

Healthcare regulator Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published two reports on maternity services run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH), following inspections carried out in June and July last year which staff concerns had prompted.

NUH runs the Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital and is currently subject to the largest maternity review in NHS history, as well as a police investigation.

Maternity services at both hospitals were again rated as “requires improvement” overall and for being safe and well-led, with their effectiveness rating upgraded from “requires improvement’ to “good”.

Helen Rawlings, interim director of CQC network operations in the Midlands, said the trust had made improvements but there was still more to do. She said: “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 was positive to hear that staff treated people well and with kindness and compassion.