Hull Royal Infirmary, a part of the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, has recently received the lowest rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) due to concerns about the chaotic environment and poor management of the maternity services. The CQC conducted multiple visits as part of their national maternity inspection program and found that the systems and risks in the antenatal day unit and triage department were not well managed, resulting in long delays for pregnant women. Additionally, the CQC raised concerns about staff training, lack of policies, and issues with staffing and staff sickness.
In response to the CQC’s findings, the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has expressed extreme disappointment and has acknowledged the urgent need for improvements. The trust has reviewed all highlighted areas and is taking immediate action to address the issues raised in the report. They have appointed new staff, including a head of midwifery, additional matrons, a clinical director for maternity and neonates, and three consultants, to provide additional support and enhance the leadership in the maternity department.
The trust’s spokesperson emphasized that many dedicated and skilled clinicians and managers are working hard to address the areas of concern highlighted in the CQC report. They have developed a short, medium, and long-term strategy for improving maternity services, with a focus on assessing pregnant individuals requiring urgent care rapidly and appropriately.
The trust acknowledges that urgent improvements are needed to ensure safer care for women, individuals using the service, and their babies. They have committed to strengthening the governance of the service and supporting their teams to better manage improvement actions. The trust aims to provide safe and timely care to pregnant individuals and address the issues raised by the CQC.
FAQ
1. What rating did Hull’s maternity services receive from the CQC?
Hull’s maternity services received the lowest rating of “inadequate” from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
2. What were the main concerns raised by the CQC?
The CQC raised concerns about the poor management of the maternity services, including long delays for pregnant women, lack of staff training policies, staffing issues, and staff sickness.
3. What steps is the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust taking to address the issues?
The trust has appointed new staff, including a head of midwifery, additional matrons, a clinical director for maternity and neonates, and three consultants. They are also implementing a short, medium, and long-term strategy for improving maternity services and strengthening the governance of the department.
4. What is the trust’s goal for improving maternity services?
The trust aims to ensure safer care for women, individuals using the service, and their babies. They are focused on providing rapid and appropriate assessments for pregnant individuals requiring urgent care and addressing the concerns highlighted by the CQC.