Enter and view: Maternity departments

Healthwatch Bexley, Healthwatch Bromley, Healthwatch Greenwich and Healthwatch Lewisham undertook enter and view visits to the maternity departments of Lewisham Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Princess Royal University Hospital, and Darent Valley Hospital. They spoke to 36 people.

Responses from patients across the Maternity Departments of the four hospitals were generally positive. Most patients told ARs that staff members were polite, respectful, friendly and helpful. 

All four Enter and View teams were happy with the staff conduct they observed during their visits, finding staff members welcoming and engaging. 

The ambience in the areas visited was reported as calm and interactions observed between staff and patients suggested that patients are treated with kindness and respect. 

Cleanliness across the four hospitals was rated well however the ARs visiting the PRUH felt the entrance and reception areas in the Maternity Ward could have been more welcoming. 

ARs visiting Queen Elizabeth Hospital were very impressed with their discharge process, praising the discharge sessions provided to mums and the ‘comprehensive’ and ‘useful’ packs handed out. ARs felt that this discharge process is a good example of best practice. 

Local Healthwatch will be working with the providers to address areas of concern identified in this report and will use our position as an independent consumer champion for health and social care to exert an effective and responsible influence on services to secure improvements.