Nearly half of maternity services in England are failing, according to an analysis of a new inspection program. The audit was launched in response to the Shrewsbury maternity scandal, which exposed inadequate care and resulted in the deaths and brain damage of hundreds of babies. So far, 56 services have been rated under the scheme, with 18 labeled as “requires improvement” and 7 as “inadequate.” Hull Royal Infirmary and Saint Mary’s Maternity Hospital in Manchester are among the latest to be assessed and have received poor ratings.
To provide transparency and allow readers to see how their local NHS sites rank, MailOnline has compiled the full ratings and reports into an interactive map. The Care Quality Commission (CQC), as part of its mission to improve maternity care, is in the process of evaluating all 133 hospital maternity services that haven’t been visited since April 2021. These services are ranked as “outstanding,” “good,” “requires improvement,” or “inadequate,” based on safety, efficiency, care, and leadership.
Out of the 56 services assessed so far, 25 have received “inadequate” or “requires improvement” ratings. Only three services were rated as “outstanding.” MailOnline’s audit revealed inadequate services in Hull, Birmingham, Norfolk, Surrey, Dorset, Hertfordshire, and east London. Hull Royal Infirmary, in particular, was described as a “chaotic environment that was not fit for purpose.” The CQC found that the maternity unit at Hull Royal Infirmary did not ensure women’s safety due to issues with design, facilities, premises, and equipment. Safety incidents and near misses were also not investigated in a timely or effective manner.
Similar problems were identified in other hospitals, such as Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, where women and babies were at risk due to delays in assessment, and Poole Hospital in Dorset, where staffing shortages led to the closure of the unit multiple times and delays in induction of labor and caesarean sections. St Peter’s Hospital in Surrey was criticized for its staffing shortages, slow progress in addressing safety incidents, and inadequate training.
This new inspection program was implemented in response to the shocking baby deaths at the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust. An inquiry led by Donna Ockenden revealed that 300 babies had died or suffered brain damage due to repeated errors in care. The investigation also uncovered cases of severe brain injuries and cerebral palsy. The trust was found to have failed in monitoring babies’ heart rates and using drugs properly during labor.
The issue of maternity care failures extends beyond the Shrewsbury scandal. Reports have also highlighted problems at East Kent Hospitals Trust and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, where dozens of deaths, stillbirths, and cases of brain damage occurred due to mistakes. The Royal College of Midwives attributes these failures to staff shortages and lack of funding. The NHS is estimated to be short of 500 midwives.
A survey conducted by the CQC revealed a decline in women’s confidence in maternity services. Many struggled to receive assistance during labor and lacked postnatal care support. The ongoing staffing shortages have further eroded trust in maternity services. The CQC emphasizes the need for improvement in maternity safety and acknowledges the government’s commitment to investing in staff recruitment and retention. However, swift action is necessary to ensure sustainable solutions.
It is evident that significant efforts are required to improve the quality and safety of maternity care in England. The concerns raised by these inspection findings and scandals underscore the need for increased investment, adequate staffing levels, and improved training for midwives and maternity staff. Every woman deserves the highest quality and safest care throughout their pregnancy, and addressing these issues is crucial to achieving that goal.
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