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Experience of new mothers much improved at St Peter’s
Written by Communications Team   

Results just in from a national survey of maternity services by health regulator, the Care Quality Commission, show a significant improvement in the experience of women across all aspects of care at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey over the past three years.

Eileen Nolan, Associate Director of Maternity Services, said: “The last national survey was carried out in 2007 and our results were disappointing. It was clear there were many things we had to do to improve the experience of women coming through the service, so we listened to their comments carefully and used them to plan a programme of change.”

“The latest figures really show the positive affect of the many changes we have made, such as the refurbishment of our antenatal clinic waiting areas and birthing rooms to make them all ensuite. We have also increased our staffing levels, specifically those in post to help new mums with breastfeeding, and improved the postnatal care we provide to women.” 
 
 
 
In 2007, 88% of women rated their care throughout pregnancy as ‘good, very good or excellent’, which has increased to 93% this year. Women also reported improvements in their care during labour and birth, with 89% rating it as ‘good, very good or excellent’, compared to 82% in 2007. The biggest jump, however, is in the experience of new mums after the birth – 89% now rate their postnatal care highly compared to only 77% three years ago.

Adds Eileen: “In 2007, we were actually classed as one of the least well performing maternity units in the country. We have really turned things around and are now very much in line with all other units across the country. I feel personally very proud of my team and this achievement – we’ve done a huge amount in three years to make things better for local women.”

This is reflected by the recent attainment of three national awards for the maternity team and the achievement of Level 3 in the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts, which is the highest possible standard given for patient safety.

Last Updated ( Monday, 06 December 2010 12:25 )