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Maternal Care Overhaul: How One Hospital Found Its 'Good'
29 Jun
Summary
- Hospital's maternity service improved from 'requires improvement' to 'good'
- Staffing increased by 147, including 22 doctors and 65 midwives
- Stillbirths reduced by 31% due to enhanced care and data analysis
Queen's Hospital in Romford, Essex, has achieved a 'good' rating for its maternity service, a significant improvement from its previous 'requires improvement' assessment in 2021 and 2024. This transformation, detailed over several years, highlights a successful overhaul of care standards.
The improvements were driven by a substantial increase in staffing, with 147 new hires, including 22 doctors and 65 midwives, reducing the vacancy rate from 16% to 4%. Additional personnel and 'flow coordinators' have enhanced patient throughput and reduced delays.
Special attention has been paid to the needs of its diverse patient population, with 61% from deprived areas and half not speaking English as a first language. Bilingual support services and focused care in high-deprivation postcodes have helped reduce stillbirths by 31%.
These changes, supported by former chief executive Matthew Trainer and local MP Wes Streeting, have led to fewer complaints and more positive birth experiences, offering optimism for the future of NHS maternity care.
