Maternity Services improvements acknowledged in patient feedback

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) today welcomed the publication of the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) National Maternity Survey results, which provide valuable insight into the experiences of families using maternity services at Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford.

Feedback from 125 people who gave birth at UHNM took part in the survey which is vital in helping the Trust understand what it is doing well and where further improvements are required.

The survey results show that, for the majority of questions, UHNM’s maternity services are performing in line with other trusts nationally. In 53 out of 57 areas, scores were about the same as most trusts, and in some areas, improvements were made.  For example improvements were made in the following areas:

•    Delayed discharge on the day of leaving hospital 
•    Ability for partners to stay with mothers after birth 
•    Pain management during labour and birth 

Support for mental health during pregnancy and after birth remains a strength, with scores remaining the same as last year.

The survey also highlighted areas for improvement. These include offering a choice about where to have a baby and information to help decide where to give birth and providing support and advice about feeding babies in the four weeks after birth.

Donna Brayford, Director of Maternity Services at UHNM, said: “We are proud of the improvements made in our maternity services over the last 12 months. Progress made in areas such as discharge processes and partner involvement highlight this, but we know there is more to do. Listening to our patients is at the heart of everything we do, and these insights will help us focus our efforts where they are needed most.”

She added: “Our teams are committed to making maternity care safer and more responsive for every family, and we will continue to work together to build on our strengths.”