Results published today demonstrate progress and improvement to the birthing experience for patients and families at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust (QEH).
The 2022 National Maternity Services Survey results have been published today (11 January 2023), which show that regionally, QEH was consistently among the top five performing Trusts. This includes scoring highest in the region across questions regarding antenatal check-ups and second for care during pregnancy.
Scores where QEH scored above the national average, include:
- During antenatal check-ups, patients feeling that their Midwives and Doctors were aware of their medical history.
- Partners and companions being involved as much as they wanted to be during labour and birth.
- Patients feeling that they were provided ample information about their own physical recovery after birth.
- Midwives providing patients with relevant information during their pregnancy about feeding their baby.
These results are a testament to the continued dedication and hard work of our Maternity colleagues who have been on a significant improvement journey.
The survey, developed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), gathered the experiences of people who had a birth during 1 February and 28 February 2022. 255 people were invited to take part in the survey at QEH and 52% completed and returned the questionnaire (an increase from 49% in 2021).
Importantly, the survey also highlights where further improvements can be made so that patients have a better experience in our care. This includes:
- Patients felt that not enough information was provided on induction before being induced.
- Patients receiving help and advice from health professionals about their baby’s health and progress in the six weeks after the birth.
- Patients being spoken to in a way that they could understand during antenatal care.
- Patients feeling that if they raised a concern during labour and birth it was taken seriously.
Helen Blanchard, Interim Chief Nurse at QEH, said: “Our National Maternity Services Survey results highlight the commitment of colleagues in our Maternity team to providing the best possible care for patients and their families.
“I was particularly pleased to see that 99% of those surveyed reported were treated with respect and dignity and that 98% felt they were given enough time during antenatal check-ups to ask questions and discuss their pregnancy – two key indicators that show we are putting patients at the centre of care.”
Amanda Price-Davey, Head of Midwifery at QEH, said: “I am incredibly proud of our Maternity colleagues and their commitment to providing high-quality care to our patients. We are very appreciative to all respondents who have highlighted areas where we can continue to improve, as this will enable us to now turn our focus to acting on that feedback and ensure we are continuing to provide the best possible care for people who access maternity services.”
ENDS.
For further information, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216.
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