29.01.19
CQC wants more improvements across maternity care following national survey results
The CQC has issued a warning about the lack of improvement and information provided to expecting mothers during maternity care, but has praised interactions staff and midwives during pregnancy.
Following a national survey of more than 17,600 woman who gave birth in February last year, the CQC said the care for some women fell short of expectations with problems highlighted around the continuity of care, choice in antenatal and postnatal services and access to help and information.
The health inspectorate said there has been “limited improvement” in women’s experience since the last survey in 2017 up until now, with some areas of women’s experiences of maternity care declining.
The CQC’s report explores the views of women at 129 NHS trusts on all aspects of their maternity care from the first time they saw a clinician or midwife, during labour, birth, and the weeks following the arrival of their baby in order to help trusts better understand their maternity services.
The results did identify some positive areas such as interactions with staff, access to midwives and emotional support during pregnancy.
But the CQC has warned NHS trusts not to consider nursing associates the same as registered nurses after there have been concerns about the development of nursing associates during the current workforce shortages.
Nigel Acheson, the CQC’s deputy chief inspector of hospitals and lead for maternity, said: “The survey reveals a number of positive results, with support during antenatal check-ups and partner involvement showing encouraging upward trends. However, the results also indicate that in other areas women’s experiences continue to fall short.
“It is particularly disappointing to see that scores for questions about postnatal care remain poor - information provision, emotional support and communication after birth are all highlighted as areas where experiences could be improved.
He added: “I hope that trusts will make full use of their individual survey results to identify where changes can be made to ensure consistent and high-quality care for the benefit of all women and their families.”
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