The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published results of its national maternity survey today (Friday 9 February) – with Newcastle Hospitals being rated as much better, better or somewhat better than most trusts in a number of categories.
The survey took place in February 2023 and asked women about their experiences of care at three different stages of their maternity journey – antenatal care, labour and birth and postnatal care – and 281 women who accessed maternity care at the Royal Victoria Infirmary took part.
The maternity team at Newcastle hospitals oversee the delivery of more than 6,000 babies every year. Those who responded to the survey said they were asked about their mental health after giving birth and received help and advice from health professionals about feeding their baby as well as their baby’s health and progress.
Results show maternity services at Newcastle Hospitals were rated much better than most trusts for 1 question, better than most trusts for 4 questions, somewhat better than most trusts for 1 question. Results were about the same as other trusts for 48 questions.
The Trust was rated as:
- ‘Much better’ than others at asking about mental health after giving birth.
- ‘Better’ than others at providing help and advice to women who have given birth about feeding their baby and offering support and advice about a baby’s health and progress.
- ‘Somewhat better’ than others at doing everything they could to help manage pain during labour and birth.
Jane Anderson, director of midwifery at Newcastle Hospitals said:
“Having a baby is one of the most special times in a family’s life and our whole maternity team works hard to provide the best possible care to women, babies, and families.
“Importantly, I hope the survey provides confidence to those who choose to give birth under our care as we continue to address the findings in the recent CQC report. We will continue to listen to those who use and work in our maternity services to understand what makes a good experience and what needs to improve.”
The full results for England, are available on the CQC’s website.
