Maternity unit passes inspection

THE maternity unit at Bassetlaw Hospital has passed unannounced inspections by the national health and social care regulator with flying colours.
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Guardian News

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) made their surprise visits to the antenatal clinics, labour wards and postnatal wards at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) and Bassetlaw Hospital in December.

They gathered detailed information by speaking to women and staff and also carried out rigorous inspections of medical case notes, documentation, equipment and facilities.

The published reports show that the inspectors were fully satisfied with the quality of care at both maternity units. They assessed them against six essential standards and said both DRI and Bassetlaw’s maternity services were fully compliant, with no areas where improvements were needed.

In their Bassetlaw report, they said the women they spoke to had been very positive about the care and support they received, with a couple describing it as an excellent service. They also commented that the service was planned and delivered in a way that ensured women’s and babies’ safety and welfare.

Deirdre Fowler, acting director of nursing and head of midwifery at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Obviously, it’s very gratifying to know that the inspectors were satisfied with the quality of care at both our maternity units. Our maternity staff do a fantastic job and work extremely hard to try and ensure that every woman has the right care and support and the best possible experience throughout her pregnancy and beyond.”

“We are always keen to keep improving and have exciting plans to develop our maternity services further to provide more choice to women over where and how they give birth, wherever possible.”

Katrina Simons, 28, from Tuxford was enthusiastic about the care she received at Bassetlaw Hospital.

She had to undergo an emergency caesarean said everything was explained to her and was reassured after all her questions were answered.