Sussex Hospitals Fail Safety Inspections

Maternity services at two hospitals in Sussex have been re-rated as "requires improvement" by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Inspectors identified significant concerns regarding safety, staffing, and leadership at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester and Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath. These issues have impacted the experience of women and their families.

Specific failings noted include inconsistent provision of pain relief on postnatal wards at St Richard's and equipment failures leading to delays in planned caesarean sections at Princess Royal Hospital. Additionally, a backlog of unreviewed low-harm incidents and the inadequate separation of bereavement facilities from labour wards were highlighted as serious concerns. The trust has acknowledged the need for improvement and pledged to address these issues promptly.