MOTHERS-to-be treated at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust have a broadly positive experience, a new survey has found.

The Care Quality Commission quizzed more than 17,600 women across the country who gave birth in February last year.

103 women treated by the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust were questioned, and their responses were in line with other trusts across the country.

The findings highlight women’s views on all aspects of their maternity care from the first time they saw a clinician or midwife, during labour and birth, through to the care provided at home in the weeks following the arrival of their baby.

The experience of women in their labour and birth was rated an average of 9.1 out of 10, which covered advice at the start of labour, having skin to skin contact with the baby after birth and having their partners involved as much as they wanted.

The care received by staff was rated at 8.8 out of 10. Within this section, the clear communication of staff during with birth won the highest rating at 9.5 out of ten.

Concerns being taken seriously once raised received the lowest rating with 7.6 out of ten, although this was in line with ratings from other trusts.

Care received in hospital after the birth received a rating of 7.5 out of ten, with cleanliness of the room or ward taking the highest rating of 9.4 out of 10.

Nigel Acheson, CQC’s Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals and lead for Maternity, said “I am pleased that the findings of this year’s survey show that many women are experiencing high quality care and treatment during pregnancy and birth. This is a testament to efforts and dedication of staff working hard to provide care for pregnant women and new mothers across the country.

"It is vital NHS trusts listen to and work with those who use maternity services to fully understand what is working well and what might need to improve. I hope that trusts will make full use of their individual survey results to identify where changes can be made to ensure consistent and high-quality care for the benefit of all women and their families. This is of huge importance if we are to realise the ambition of the NHS long term plan for the best maternity care in the world.”