Our Maternity Unit receives great CQC report

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded the rating of maternity services at Northampton General Hospital from requires improvement to good following an inspection in March.

It upgraded the ratings for how safe and how well-led the service is from requires improvement to good and the ratings for how effective, caring and responsive the service were also re-rated as good. The overall rating of Northampton General Hospital remains requires improvement.

Carolyn Jenkinson, CQC’s deputy director of hospitals in the west midlands, said: “When we visited Northampton General Hospital’s maternity service, we found leaders and staff had made real and meaningful improvements since our last inspection. Women told us they felt listened to and cared for, and they described staff as kind, supportive and reassuring throughout their maternity journey. One woman told us staff always took the time to listen and make her feel comfortable, which is exactly the kind of experience we want everybody to have.

“Safeguarding was another notable strength. Staff understood their responsibilities well and knew how to raise concerns quickly, which helped keep women and babies safe from harm. We also saw excellent teamwork between different staff groups, so women didn’t have to repeat their story every time they saw someone new.

“Leaders and staff should be proud of the improvements we found at this inspection, and we look forward to seeing their further progress.”

Interim University Hospitals of Northamptonshire Director of Midwifery, Sarah Jamieson, said: “This recognition has been hard earned. The report praises the care, compassion, teamwork and professionalism seen throughout the service, alongside improvements in leadership, safeguarding and staff engagement, and recognises how learning, feedback and data are used to drive improvement.

“It highlights positive feedback from women and families, who told inspectors they felt listened to, cared for and supported throughout their maternity journey. That is a direct reflection of the difference you make every day.

“We know just how much work has gone into achieving this result. Many of you have led change, supported colleagues through challenging times, embraced new ways of working and through it all you have remained focussed on providing safe, compassionate care for women, babies and families.”