CQC maternity survey results show positive improvements

Recently, the Care Quality Commission has released national results following a survey they conducted with women and birthing people who had used maternity services across the country.

Nearly 150 people who had their baby at Great Western Hospitals last year completed the survey and the results showed a mostly positive response.

The Trust scored third highest in the country for questions relating to antenatal check-ups and care on the ward after birth, and in the top five Trusts for questions relating to care at home after birth.

The Trust also performed above the national average in a number of areas, and women and birthing people said that:

• They felt listened to during antenatal check-ups, labour and birth
• They were given support for their mental health during pregnancy
• They had confidence and trust in the staff caring for them
• Those who were having an induced labour felt well supported were provided with appropriate advice
• Personal circumstances were taken into account during the pregnancy

Lisa Marshall, Director of Midwifery and Neonatal Services, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team in our maternity services whose hard work has been reflected in these fantastic results.

“They continue to provide truly exceptional care to every woman, birthing person and family member who passes through our doors, as well as supporting people in their own homes right across Swindon.

“They are always looking at ways to improve the care they provide, and have introduced a number of initiatives and projects over the last year to continue to build on the successes of the department.

“In addition, we have recruited new staff to ensure our services are well staffed and inclusive to all, including a Black Maternity Matters Midwife, and additional consultants and members of the scrub team.

“We also welcomed a number of T-Level students last year, making us one of only a few Trusts in the country to support students to advance a career in midwifery through on-the-job practice and learning.  

“Of course, we can’t do any of this without the support and feedback from the women and birthing people we look after and I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to complete the survey.”

The Trust’s maternity team will now use the survey responses to identify areas that need further improvement, including postnatal mental health support and people being more involved in decisions during their labour.

You can read the full report on the Care Quality Commission website.