East Kent Hospitals maternity units rated ‘good’ by the CQC
The maternity services at William Harvey Hospital, Ashford and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, Margate have been rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The CQC inspected the service in December 2024 and found that the Trust had made ‘significant improvements’ since its last inspection in 2023.
It rated both units as ‘good’ for being caring, effective, responsive and well-led.
The inspection team found that the women and babies were protected and kept safe; that the units were clean and well-maintained; that there were enough staff who were well-trained; and that the units had a good learning culture, where people could raise concerns.
It also found that the outdated hospital buildings meant some clinical areas and labour rooms in both units are too small and lack en suite facilities, compromising the care staff are able to give, and that there is currently only one obstetric theatre at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital. It therefore rated the units as ‘requires improvement’ for ‘safe’.
The Trust has been given £1.8m to progress a business case for the development of the maternity unit at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, which will increase the size of labour rooms and provide a second obstetric theatre for caesarean sections.
It will also extend the maternity triage area in the next phase of refurbishment at William Harvey Hospital.
There has also been investment in the relocation and refurbishment of the bereavement suite at William Harvey Hospital. The refurbished Twinkling Stars suite is a dedicated area for families located away from the busy Labour ward. The work is being funded by donations to East Kent Hospitals Charity and opens soon.
“The reports published by the CQC today reflect the significant hard work and dedication of staff across the maternity service,” said Chief Executive Tracey Fletcher.
“This is an important milestone in our continuing work to improve our services and embed the lessons outlined in the ‘Reading the Signals’ report into our Trust, published by Dr Kirkup in 2022. I want to reiterate, particularly to the families affected by the failings in care described in the ‘Reading the Signals’ report, our commitment to continue to improve our services and work to provide the highest standard of care for our communities. We will use the feedback in the reports to further improve.
“I am delighted that the CQC team saw the significant improvement that has taken place so far. I would like to thank all the maternity team for their hard work.”
Sarah Hayes, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, added: “The improvements in our maternity units, recognised by the Care Quality Commission, are important for our families, staff and our communities.
“We are committed to delivering safe, compassionate care across all of our services, including in maternity.”
Michelle Cudjoe, Director of Midwifery and Nursing, said: “The teams have worked tirelessly to drive the improvements captured in these reports. I would like to add my thanks to everyone who works in the team. This is a maternity service that has come a long way in a short period of time and I am delighted that the impact of their efforts has been recognised by the regulator in this way.”
Miss Zoe Woodward, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Associate Medical Director for Women's Health, said: “This much-improved CQC rating is testament to the hard work and dedication from all members of the maternity team.
“I want to personally thank all of the team for everything they do to provide safe, kind and personalised care to every woman and birthing person who accesses our services.”