Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust under urgent warning to improve maternity services
A recent report by the CQC (Care Quality Commission) shows that three maternity services run by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust require improvement following an inspection in March.
The inspection was carried out as part of CQC’s national maternity inspection programme to provide women and families with an up to date view of the quality of maternity care at their local hospital trust and to help services to improve.
It looked at areas of safety and leadership in the trust's maternity services at Saint Mary's Hospital, Wythenshawe Hospital and North Manchester General Hospital.
Across all three hospitals, the CQC raised concerns that people weren’t assessed quickly enough and effective and timely triage process were not in place to keep people safe. It also reported delays in proceeding with elective caesarean sections and induction of labour, always a priority to protect mothers and babies at a vulnerable time.
At Saint Mary's and Wythenshawe hospitals, the overall rating changed from 'good' to 'requires improvement'. The rating for safety dropped from 'good' to 'inadequate'. At North Manchester General Hospital, maternity services were rated 'requires improvement' overall and 'inadequate' for safety.
Due to its concerns, the CQC has taken enforcement action and served the Trust with a warning notice to make rapid improvements in each maternity service.
Since the inspection, the CQC confirmed that the Trust has developed an action plan and begun to make improvements. The Trust says it has improved triage processes so that women are seen more quickly, reduced delays for women needing induction of labour and that staff recruitment is ongoing. The CQC will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Read about our Birth Injury, Cerebral Palsy and Obstetric Negligence claims and case studies from our award-winning team of medical negligence solicitors in Manchester:
- Jenny Urwin secured a £14.7m birth injury settlement for a young boy who suffered brain injury due to negligent treatment at Wythenshawe Hospital. He has extremely severe cerebral palsy and significantly reduced life expectancy as a result.
- Claire Horton secured £14.3m settlement for twin who suffered a birth injury at North Manchester General Hospital. Baby A has been left with cerebral palsy in all limbs and difficulties swallowing and speaking due to brain damage caused by lack of oxygen.