Have you been affected by poor maternity care?
Speak to one of our expert solicitors today, and find out if you could make a birth injury claim
CALL 0800 083 5500
Posted on 2nd May 2023
Following this first inspection of the hospital’s maternity services, they have been rated as ‘requires improvement.’
CQC Findings
The inspections, carried out as part of the CQC’s national maternity services programme, were the first time that maternity services at The Whittington Hospital were rated as a standalone service.
The hospital, which The Whittington Health NHS Trust runs, had issues around the staffing and safety processes.
The inspectors found:
- The service did not have sufficient midwifery staff to manage the triage telephone line.
- Staff did not always complete and update risk assessments for each person in order to minimise risk where possible.
Helpful Articles
If you have suffered an injury because of poor care, you may want to sue the NHS for negligence. This complete guide can help you make the best decision for you and your family. More
Medical negligence, also called clinical negligence, is a legal term. It is used when medical professionals fail to provide care that meets a reasonable standard or quality. More
'No Win, No Fee’ has gained popularity in recent years. It offers individuals a risk-free option to pursue justice without the burden of upfront costs. More
Carolyn Jenkinson, CQC’s Deputy Director of Secondary and Specialist Healthcare and maternity inspection programme lead, said:
“During our inspection of Whittington Hospital maternity services, we found a leadership team that had the skills and abilities to run the service. They had a clear understanding of the challenges within the service, and we need to see them using those skills to take action address the issues we found at this inspection.
“Women in triage weren’t always being prioritised according to their clinical need using best practice guidance which could put them at risk.
“The hospital also has some work to do to ensure their facilities meet the needs of people using the service and their families. The labour ward rooms weren’t ensuite so women needed to use communal showers and toilets which didn’t always meet the needs or the privacy and dignity of women and birthing people.
Positive Feedback
As part of the report, the CQC identified some positive hospital practices.
- The trust has managed to secure funding for the refurbishment of the labour ward, birth centre, triage, and a new bereavement suite.
- 24-hour mental health support was available at the hospital.
Have you been affected by poor maternity care at The Whittington Hospital?
If you or a loved one has suffered from poor maternity care administered by The Whittington Hospital, you should speak to a birth injury solicitor about your options for possible recourse.
You may be entitled to make a no-win, no-fee birth injury or medical negligence compensation claim to help you secure the funding, or the treatments required to put things right.
