Slow progress in some areas says RCM on CQC Maternity survey

on 29 January 2019 Midwifery Continuity of Carer - MCOC CQC - Care Quality Commission Antenatal / Prenatal

Today the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) has published a national survey of more than 17,600 women who gave birth in February last year. It shows that many had a good experience, but some women say the care they received fell short of expectations. Issues highlighted include continuity of care, choice in antenatal and postnatal services and access to help, information and support after giving birth.

Commenting on the survey Sean O’Sullivan, Head of Health and Social Policy at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said: "It is very encouraging to see the steady improvement in many areas of maternity care, and we know the Government are working hard to improve our maternity services.

"But it is worrying that some areas are progressing very slowly, standing still or indeed going backwards. Continuity of care is crucial to ensure safe and high quality care, yet many women are not getting the continuity of carer they want and need.

"The RCM has been highlighting the gaps in postnatal care for many years and this remains another area of concern, including the support women get for mental health issues. We must see a real focus at Government and local level to improve this.

"The Government's vision for maternity is worth praise but we must see them come good on their promises of more staff. Midwives, maternity support workers, doctors and their colleagues work incredibly hard and with enormous dedication to provide the safest and highest quality care. However, they must get the funding, training and support they need to be able to do their jobs and deliver the best possible care for women, babies and their families.”

The CQC Maternity Survey can be viewed at https://www.cqc.org.uk/publications/surveys/maternity-services-survey-2018

To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk.

Note to editors

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.

 

 

ENDS