The maternity units at two hospitals in Leeds have received commendation from inspectors who identified pockets of “outstanding practice.” The Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducted assessments of maternity services at St James’s University Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary, bestowing a “good” rating upon their services after thorough evaluations.
Inspectors commended the units for their unwavering focus on the well-being of women and care recipients. They acknowledged that leaders and staff consistently demonstrated commitment to delivering care. The inspections, carried out in May and June, revealed, however, a notable “lack of oversight” concerning the duration of wait times for phone calls to be answered.
Operated by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, both maternity units underwent rigorous evaluations by the CQC. Carolyn Jenkinson, CQC’s Deputy Director of Secondary and Specialist Healthcare, expressed reassurance in finding sufficient maternity staff with the requisite skills, training, and experience to ensure safety, provide appropriate care and treatment, and prevent abuse.
Among the standout practices, inspectors highlighted the units’ collaboration with diverse communities to understand perceptions of maternity care. This approach enabled the provision of inclusive and accessible advice to individuals seeking guidance.
Jenkinson commented, “Staff should be proud of this work as it helps to reduce health inequalities and ensures people have all the information they need to enable them to have a better birthing experience.”
Despite these commendations, the inspection also unveiled delays in reaching the triage departments at the units, a concern that was highlighted. Jenkinson underscored that such delays could put individuals and their infants at risk, given the critical nature of timely assistance and support.
Professor Phil Wood, Chief Executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, welcomed the “good” rating as a testament to the dedication of their teams in delivering exceptional patient care. While the commendation is appreciated, Wood acknowledged the existence of areas for improvement and affirmed the trust’s commitment to prioritizing necessary enhancements.
