Maternity services in North East and North Yorkshire face declining care standards
Pregnancy can be nerve inducing at the best of times, but with almost three quarters of maternity units across the North East and North Yorkshire now substandard, there are calls for change. Since 2022, the Care quality Commission has re-inspected maternity units across the country, and the results paint a picture of declining care. In their state of care report, the CQC said the overarching picture is one of a service and staff under huge pressure.
Current Ratings and Statistics
In England almost half of maternity services are substandard (49%). Of 15 units in the North East and North Yorkshire that have been re-inspected so far, almost 3 quarters are failing (73%).
The following table illustrates the findings from the latest round of visits:
| Hospital/Location | CQC Rating/Status |
|---|---|
| Durham, Darlington, Scarborough and York | Lowest rating of inadequate |
| RVI in Newcastle, James Cook Hospital and Sunderland Royal | Told to make improvements |
| Overall North East and North Yorkshire units | 73% are now substandard |
The Impact on Patients: Philippa Elliot's Story
One of those who felt their level of care fell short, was Philippa Elliot from Darlington. Her waters broke at just 19 weeks pregnant. She was admitted to Darlington Memorial Hospital, but told she couldn’t have a scan, as no ultrasound specialists on shift. She was left for days, not knowing if her baby was alive.
Philippa said: "It was only on day three, when I was about to be discharged that one of the doctors came and asked ‘has anybody scanned you?’ and I said 'no, apparently you haven’t got any ultrasound specialists in over the weekend'."
The advice from doctors at Darlington Memorial Hospital, was to terminate the pregnancy. Reluctant to give up hope, Philippa and her husband researched alternative options and found NHS guidelines that suggested there are cases where, with close monitoring, pregnancies can continue. She said: "I can’t imagine how I would feel now if I had terminated and then realised it might have been ok.”
Following this experience at Darlington, Philippa transferred to James Cook in Middlesbrough. Under their care, she carried Baby Ivy Hope until 28 weeks. She was born premature, but healthy.
Response from Health Authorities
Noel Scanlon, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are committed to providing high quality, compassionate care to all women and families. We sincerely apologise to any family who has felt let down by their experience in our care and we take these matters seriously."
The Trust says it has taken steps to make improvements to ensure a high level of care is provided to all patients, including:
- Actively recruiting to staffing vacancies
- Welcoming a new Director of Midwifery
- Appointing a second Head of Midwifery
- Listening, learning, and continually improving the quality of care
Expert Analysis of Systemic Issues
Dr Bill Kirkup has led inquiries into services elsewhere in the country and says the latest CQC ratings are further proof that there are systemic issues. Dr Kirkup said: "There are problems particularly with professional culture, around compassion and listening and team working and there are problems around the reaction that people have where there is a serious safety incident. It needs looking at, it needs investigating."