Maternity services in north Cumbria have been rated by mums as part of a national survey.
Health watchdog the Care Quality Commission carried out a survey, asking all women who gave birth in January and February last year about their experiences.
Around 58 per cent of mums – 172 – who used maternity services at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary, the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven and Penrith Community Hospital responded to the survey.
The results rated the services, run by the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust as:
- ‘Much better’ than others at giving women advice at the start of labour when they contacted a midwife or hospital with a score of 9.4/10 and for speaking to patients in a way they understood during labour with a score of 9.7/10. They also scored 9.7/10 for treating women with respect and dignity during labour.
- ‘Better’ than others when it came to staff introducing themselves when the patient was being examined 9.5/10, and having the confidence and trust in staff caring for the patient during labour and birth 9.4/10.
- ‘Somewhat better’ for the information given to pregnant women about coronavirus during maternity care 6.7/10 and for giving out information on the associated risks of an induced labour 7.4/10.
Amanda Kennett, the trust’s associate director of midwifery, said: “For women to be giving such positive feedback is fantastic and we are very pleased with the results of this year’s survey.
“I would like to thank our teams who work really hard to make sure that women feel safe, supported and well looked after before, during and after labour.
“While we are pleased with this year’s results, we are not complacent and will be examining the results further to see where we can improve for the future.”
