At the end of 2023, the Care Quality Commission published reports that highlighted concerns about the safety standards of maternity units across the country. The Medical Negligence team at Tozers were saddened to read that more recently maternity services at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (RD&E) and North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) in Devon have recently undergone evaluations that revealed areas where improvements are needed.
CQC Inspection Findings
The inspection from the CQC highlighted various challenges at both hospitals, including:
- Problems with midwifery staffing
- Gaps in risk management systems
- Incomplete staff training
- Concerns regarding medicine storage
- Concerns about drills for baby abduction
Ratings and Ongoing Concerns
Despite hopes for progress following the integration of management under the same Trust, both hospitals' maternity services received a rating of "requires improvement" from the CQC. This assessment is disheartening, especially considering the ongoing concerns surrounding NDDH's maternity services, which have faced criticism in the past for consistently failing to meet standards. Some patients have even sought legal recourse from firms including Tozers due to severe injuries having resulted.
Staffing Discrepancies and Risks
Inspectors found that of particular concern was the discrepancy between planned and actual staffing levels at RD&E, which poses risks to the safety of women and infants. Additionally, both hospitals lacked easily accessible arrival times for midwifery and medical reviews, potentially delaying essential assessments.
Trust’s Response to the Report
In response to the report, the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust expressed disappointment but also a determination to use the feedback as an opportunity for growth. CEO Sam Higginson emphasised the importance of addressing the identified areas for improvement to ensure that the needs of women, birthing individuals, and their babies in North and East Devon are met with the highest standards of care.
Medical Negligence specialist Clair Hemming comments:
“As a Devon-based law firm we are acutely aware just how important the North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) is for those expecting a baby. NDDH provides essential services to those resident in the North Devon area and has a wide geographical reach, many having to travel some distance already to reach it. The RD&E is the next closest maternity hospital and now it too has been classified as requiring improvement. This must be very worrying particularly for those in the North Devon area at a time of joy and when they should be avoiding additional stress and worry. We really hope that the Trust will be able to rectify the safety concerns to ensure that generations to come can make full use of local maternity services in North Devon.”
How Tozers can help
If you or a loved one have been affected by the issues raised in the CQC report regarding maternity services, Tozers’ Medical Negligence team is here to support you.
