Maternity staff at the Royal United Hospital in Bath have been praised for treating patients with dignity and respect, following feedback from a survey carried out by the CQC.
The main entrance of the Royal United Hospital in Bath | Photo © RUH
The team at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust was rated as ‘better’ or ‘somewhat better’ than other trusts in a number of key areas in the 2024 Maternity Survey.
In the survey, carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care, the maternity team was praised by women and birthing people for treating them with dignity and respect during labour and birth.
They also said they particularly felt confidence and trust in the staff caring for them during labour and birth.
Inspectors found examples of outstanding practice relating to the RUH’s commitment to continuously improving services, patient experience and the supportive environment provided for staff.
The national 2024 Maternity Survey looks at the experiences of women and birthing people who gave birth in February 2024.
The survey ranged from antenatal care through to labour, birth and post-natal care.
The maternity team was also praised by survey respondents for:
- If attention was needed during labour and birth, a member of staff was there to help.
- Not being left alone by midwives or doctors at a time when it worried them.
- Not being sent home during labour when they were worried.
- Staff introducing themselves before examination or treatment.
- Receiving appropriate advice and support when contacting a midwife or the hospital.
Zita Martinez, Director of Midwifery at the RUH, said: “I am thrilled to receive this fantastic feedback from the people we care for. It’s a reflection of the hard work and commitment from all our maternity staff who go above and beyond every day.
“At the RUH we are committed to being an organisation where everyone matters, so it’s great to see how women and birthing people felt they were treated with dignity and respect – feedback the Trust has received in recent CQC surveys of other hospital departments.
“This shows how our staff consistently reflect our Trust values, delivering the highest quality care and outcomes.
“Whilst these results are fantastic news, we know there is always work to be done and we will continue to look at how we can further improve the experiences of the people we care for.”
