CQC rate QEH maternity services as good following inspection
It's an upgrade on the previous grade given by inspectors, which was 'requires improvement'
Last updated 1st Mar 2024
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated maternity services at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, as good following an inspection in October.
It's an upgrade on the previous grade given by inspectors, which was 'requires improvement'.
Whilst the overall rating's improved, the service has again been rated as 'requires improvement' for being safe.
How it did in terms of being effective, caring and responsive were not included in this inspection.
The overall rating for The Queen Elizabeth Hospital remains at 'requires improvement'.
The overall rating for The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust also remains at 'requires improvement'.
Inspectors found:
• There had been a significant improvement in the culture of the service since the last inspection. The service had an open culture where people could raise concerns without fear and be listened to.
• Staff worked well together and focused on the needs of women, people using the service, and their babies.
• The leaders and staff were aware that health differences can affect the treatment and care provided, especially for those from ethnic minorities and less privileged groups.
What has the Queen Elizabeth Hospital found:
Esther Dorken is Acting Head of Midwifery and Nursing at QEH:
"There's a mixture of happiness and relief- but also an awareness that this is just a snapshot in time for us. We've done a lot of work already but know there's still more to do. I think the staff will be really happy with the outcome.
"It all really helps. We'd been in 'Requires Improvement' for quite some time and it's been a real journey for us and our families. It's really important that we show that we're giving good care.
"We've done a real deep-dive into what we are doing and what we need to improve in. We've had a huge amount of support from NHS England and our regional teams. Those at the hospital have really challenged us to get it right.
"This will hopefully give our families some reassurance of the service that we are providing. It's one small part of what we do in Maternity Service but it's what the families see. So it's vital that we have go this 'Good' as it will give patients confidence in our service."