Maternity care in Gateshead is 'best' in country

FOR the second year in a row maternity care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead has been rated best in the country.

- SAM VOLPE

That's according to the annual Care Quality Commission maternity patient survey.

The results of the survey show that standards achieved last year have been maintained. The other NHS trusts in the North East have all been praised too - defying a trend which has seen substantial national scrutiny of failings in care for new mums and their babies.

At Gateshead, new mums gave the highest ratings in country when it comes to staff care achieving an overall positive score of 92.5%. Other positives included that 90% were not left alone when worried about their labour, a figure significantly above the national average.

Karen Parker, associate director of midwifery and SCBU at Gateshead Health NHS Trust, said: "We are incredibly proud of these results, which are a direct reflection of the individualised care our staff provide every day.

"To be ranked first nationally for staff care is a huge achievement, and I want to credit our multidisciplinary teams who collaborate so effectively to ensure every birth is safe, supportive, and respectful.