Improved maternity unit can quit safety scheme

Maternity services at the Lister Hospital had been heavily criticised by a health watchdog

A maternity unit has been deemed safe enough to quit a special scheme it had to join after being rated "inadequate" by a watchdog two years ago.

The Lister Hospital department in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, has made enough "significant improvements" to leave NHS England's Maternity Safety Support Programme, according to a health panel.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) concluded the unit was failing after its inspection in October 2022, before a re-inspection in June last year rated it as "requiring improvement".

"We hope this achievement offers reassurance that our maternity unit is a safer, more supportive environment," said Amanda Rowley, from the hospital's NHS trust.

"This achievement reflects the fantastic work of our brilliant midwives, support staff and maternity colleagues.

"We remain fully committed to continuing our progress, building on the foundations we have laid and striving for excellence."

The director of midwifery at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust added the unit wanted to thank its "amazing" staff, patients and local community for their support.

Enough improvements have been made in maternity services for the unit to leave a support programme

The hospital also acknowledged there was more work to do in order to gain an "outstanding" CQC rating.

When judging the unit as "inadequate", the CQC found its care fell "short of what women should be able to expect".

It raised concerns over people being able to access the service when needed, insufficient staffing levels and cleanliness.

The trust was issued a warning notice, legally requiring it to make improvements.

Following a panel review on Thursday, the trust said its maternity team had focused on improving safety, improving its triage service, communications and support to patients and staff.

It had also introduced new practices, digital ways of working and boosted training programmes.