Northamptonshire maternity unit downgraded over evidence of ‘babies at risk’

Care Quality Commission inspectors who have downgraded the maternity department at Kettering General Hospital have said low staffing levels “put the safety of birthing people and babies at risk”, and graded the unit as “requires improvement”.

The hospital have said a significant amount of work has taken place to address the issues highlighted by the inspectors.

The report arising from the inspection on 11^th October 2023, said that inspectors found that “staffing levels for midwives did not always match the planned numbers, putting the safety of women and birthing people and babies at risk.

“There were insufficient suitably qualified and competent medical staff for maternity triage and elective caesarean section lists.”

The inspectors were also concerned about hygiene at the unit, their report noting that “the service did not always manage cleanliness and control infection risk well or keep all equipment and the premises visibly clean”.

Jayne Skippen, chief nursing officer at the hospital, said “We take the recommendations of the CQC report very seriously and a lot of work has been taking place since the inspection to address some of the issues raised.

“These include improving our triage process, developing robust recruitment and retention plans to address staffing challenges, and employing a patient experience midwife.

“I’d like to reassure the public that we consistently achieve and maintain our cleaning standards and score highly on our monthly inspection audits.  We are also developing long-term plans to improve facilities for maternity services.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s Legal 500 recommended West Yorkshire medical negligence solicitors and birth injury solicitors, have over 20 years of experience and specialist expertise in medical negligence investigations and claims, including cerebral palsy claims and other birth injury claims, supporting injured clients and their families through the legal process and helping them obtain answers, justice and compensation after life-changing events.  We have offices in Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, Leeds, Bradford and Morley and represent clients locally and nationally.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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