CQC highlights concerns in the maternity unit at The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

In December 2020, we commented on issues being faced by the Royal Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust with their maternity services which underlined how mistakes that happen in obstetric and midwifery care can result in catastrophic injuries for both mother and baby calling for much-welcomed transparency when things go wrong and improvements across a number of areas. 

Today, in a report following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in December 2020 following whistleblowing concerns received about the safety of the maternity department at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, particularly around midwifery staffing levels, there are concerns raised over staffing levels being below what was required, morale with staff being low and communication between maternity teams being poor. Overall, the CQC recorded a finding that the maternity services required improvement.

The report makes disturbing reading, identifying a number of areas of improvement. Pregnancy and childbirth will be an extremely joyous but understandably an anxious and difficult time where expectant mothers can feel vulnerable. It is imperative that staffing and resource are pitched at the appropriate level numbers in order to ensure patient safety which is the paramount consideration. 

At Anthony Collins Solicitors, we sadly see numerous obstetric and midwifery cases that result in death or a significant injury. We know only too well the devastation and heartbreak that maternity mistakes can cause. We hope that the Hospital Trust can be supported and can act upon the findings to take remedial steps quickly and effectively. 

For more information

If you have any concerns about midwifery or obstetric care that has been provided to you, your children or a member of your family then please contact Rankeshwar Batta, who would be happy to discuss this with you on a no-obligation basis.

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