CQC warning of ‘disappointing’ NHS care as almost a quarter of new mothers are left alone during childbirth

Care Quality Commission inspectors have said that new mothers are being let down by the NHS and that their childbirth experiences are ‘falling short’. Nearly 25 per cent of women said they were left alone during their labour, and almost half felt they were not provided with enough information about their recovery.

The report said that there had been little improvement over recent years and that hospitals needed to listen to patients in order to improve their performance.

The survey looked into the experience of nearly 18,000 NHS patients who gave birth in the first two months of 2018. Just over half of the women surveyed felt they were provided with adequate information with regard to their recovery. 44 per cent felt they did not receive enough advice on emotional changes they may go through following the delivery.

Nigel Acheson, maternity lead at the CQC, said “The survey reveals a number of positive results, with support during antenatal check-ups and partner involvement showing encouraging upward trends.

“However, the results also indicate that in other areas women’s experiences continue to fall short.

“It is particularly disappointing to see that scores for questions about postnatal care remain poor – information provision, emotional support and communication after birth are all highlighted as areas where experiences could be improved.

“Similarly, ensuring greater continuity of care for women through the whole maternal journey is an area where trusts need to focus their attention.

“It is vital NHS trusts listen to and work with those who use maternity services to fully understand what is working well and what might need to improve.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s team of medical negligence lawyers have years of experience in high value and complex medical negligence compensation claims and have an excellent record. The team is led by Tony May, a specialist cerebral palsy and birth injury solicitor, who has over 20 years experience in handling cases in which babies have been brain damaged or sustained other injuries as a result of medical negligence. He and his team continue to represent many cerebral palsy children and young adults in medical negligence claims. Tony also acts as the Court of Protection Deputy for many of the cerebral palsy and brain damaged clients that he has represented, so we can continue to support you after your case is settled. Tony can be contacted by email on tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk. Alternatively, please call and speak to any of Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist medical negligence Legal Aid and no win-no fee solicitors for free legal advice on the freephone number below.

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