We are proud to share some exciting updates from our maternity services at Lister Hospital.
After more than 18 months of hard work and dedication, our maternity unit has overseen significant improvements and has been assessed as ready to exit the Maternity Safety Support Programme, following a review meeting attended by NHS England, and representatives from the Local Maternity and Neonatal System, as well as the chair of our Lister Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership on Thursday 24 October 2024.
The Trust joined the Maternity Safety Support Programme in response to concerns raised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection at the end of 2022 which saw maternity services at Lister Hospital rated as inadequate. The Trust has worked hard and to make positive changes for the benefit of the women, families, staff, and local community who use its maternity services and following a re-inspection in June 2023 improvements were acknowledged and evidenced in a higher rating of requires improvement.
As a result of this substantial progress made by our staff, we are pleased our improvement efforts have been recognised with a positive outcome.
Throughout this period, our maternity team has continued to focus on improving safety, enhancing our maternity triage process, improving communications with families, and providing increased support to our service users and staff.
In addition to this, we have also introduced new practices, digital innovations, made improvements to the environment, strengthened our training programmes and made changes to ensure that every mother and baby receives the highest standard of care.
We are proud of the improvements that have been made but acknowledge there is still more to do as we strive to achieve an Outstanding CQC rating.
Amanda Rowley, Director of Midwifery at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust said:
“For expectant parents and families, we hope this achievement offers reassurance that our maternity unit is a safer, more supportive environment. Whilst 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 in all areas of our maternity care.
“On behalf of the unit, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our amazing staff, service users and the local community for their ongoing support during this journey. This milestone marks a new chapter for maternity care at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, and we look forward to continuing to provide outstanding care for all who rely on our services.”
