THE maternity team at the Royal United Hospital in Bath has been rated as ‘better’ or ‘somewhat better’ than other trusts in several key areas following feedback from people in the 2024 Maternity Survey.
The survey, carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care, the maternity team was praised by women and birthing people for treating them with dignity and respect during labour and birth.
They also said they particularly felt confidence and trust in the staff caring for them during labour and birth. It is further good news for the RUH’s maternity team, which earlier this year retained its ‘outstanding’ rating from the CQC, placing it in the top three per cent of maternity departments in England.
Inspectors found examples of outstanding practice relating to the RUH’s commitment to continuously improving services, patient experience, and the supportive environment provided for staff.
The national 2024 Maternity Survey examines the experiences of women and birthing people who gave birth in February 2024. The survey covered topics ranging from antenatal care through to labour, birth, and postnatal care.
The maternity team was also praised by survey respondents for:
- Ensuring that, if attention was needed during labour and birth, a member of staff was there to help.
- Ensuring patients were not left alone by midwives or doctors at a time when it worried them.
- Avoiding sending patients home during labour when they were concerned.
- Staff introducing themselves before examination or treatment.
- Providing appropriate advice and support when contacting a midwife or the hospital.
Zita Martinez, director of midwifery at the RUH, said: “I am thrilled to receive this fantastic feedback from the people we care for. It’s a reflection of the hard work and commitment from all our maternity staff who go above and beyond every day.
“At the RUH, we are committed to being an organisation where everyone matters, so it’s great to see how women and birthing people felt they were treated with dignity and respect – feedback the Trust has received in recent CQC surveys of other hospital departments.
“This shows how our staff consistently reflect our Trust values, delivering the highest qualitycare and outcomes. Whilst these results are fantastic news, we know there is always work to be done, and we will continue to look at how we can further improve the experiences of the people we care for.”