Maternity services at Burton’s Queen’s and Royal Derby hospitals have been rated inadequate by a health watchdog after inspectors found multiple issues. The ratings for maternity care at the hospitals were downgraded after an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Inspectors from the CQC highlighted several concerns, including the risk of harm to patients and overwhelming workloads faced by staff at both hospitals. Some staff members also raised concerns about working conditions, citing a lack of safety. The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals, acknowledged the seriousness of the findings and pledged to make improvements.
The lack of strong leadership was a significant issue identified during the inspections. Leaders were found to be absent and unapproachable in both hospitals, leaving staff feeling unsupported and undervalued. The inspectors also noted that managers were unable to ensure the timely response to calls on the pregnancy assessment line at Royal Derby Hospital, putting patients at risk.
Furthermore, mandatory training for staff was found to be lacking at Queen’s Hospital, raising concerns about the safety and skills of the workforce. The inspections revealed multiple problems relating to risk assessments, infection control, and the provision of adequate facilities for patients. In one ward, 26 beds were being shared by only two showers, highlighting a lack of resources.
The CQC report explicitly states that the maternity services at both Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Hospital failed to assess risks effectively, did not have enough staff to care for patients, and failed to manage safety incidents appropriately. These findings resulted in a downgrade of the hospitals’ ratings for safe and well-led criteria from good to inadequate. The overall rating for Royal Derby Hospital dropped to requires improvement, while Queen’s Hospital’s overall rating remained requires improvement.
The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust responded promptly to the CQC’s findings. Immediate changes were implemented, such as increased fetal monitoring and the adoption of clinical best practices. The Trust also emphasized the recruitment of additional midwives and investment in additional medical staff and equipment.
Acknowledging the dedication of their maternity staff, the Trust expressed its commitment to further improvements to the services provided. The Trust is determined to address the concerns raised by the CQC and ensure that mothers and their families receive the quality of care they deserve.
The CQC will continue to closely monitor the trust to ensure that improvements are effectively implemented. Patients and their families deserve safe and high-quality maternity care, and it is essential that the hospitals take the necessary steps to rectify the issues highlighted by the inspection.
In conclusion, the maternity services at Burton’s Queen’s and Royal Derby hospitals have been rated inadequate by the CQC due to various concerns, including patient safety, overwhelming workloads for staff, and a lack of strong leadership. The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust has acknowledged the seriousness of the findings and is committed to making improvements. The CQC will closely monitor the trust to ensure that the necessary changes are implemented to provide better maternity care for patients.
