Liverpool Women's Hospital Listening Event

Healthwatch Liverpool held a listening event at Liverpool Women’s Hospital in January 2018, gathering feedback from 68 patients across maternity, gynaecology, neonatal and outpatient services. Overall, feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Patients consistently praised staff attitudes, describing staff as friendly, caring, knowledgeable and supportive. Many said they felt safe, respected and well informed about their care, and the hospital received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. 

The strongest positive theme was the quality of care provided by staff. Patients frequently commented on the professionalism, compassion and specialist expertise of doctors, nurses and support staff. Cleanliness was also widely praised, with many describing the hospital as clean and well maintained. Most patients reported that they were treated with dignity and respect and felt able to ask questions and receive clear explanations about their care. 

The main areas for improvement related to waiting times, parking and facilities. Some patients reported long waits for appointments without clear communication about delays. Others highlighted difficulties finding parking, the cost of parking and limited disabled parking spaces. There were also comments about a lack of televisions or radios on some wards, limited food facilities outside normal hours and concerns about temperatures on the gynaecology ward. A number of patients felt staff were under pressure, particularly at night, although most still felt they received good care. 

Healthwatch concluded that Liverpool Women’s Hospital provided a high standard of care and was highly regarded by patients. While improvements could be made to parking, facilities and appointment waiting times, the report highlighted the positive patient experience, excellent staff attitudes and strong levels of dignity, respect and communication as significant strengths.