Trends analysis report: Maternity Services April - September 2017
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Healthwatch Tower Hamlets undertook research on local maternity services between April and September 2017. They spoke to 157 maternity service users and analysed 555 issues relating to services provided by the Royal London Hospital, community midwifery services, birthing centres, GP practices and wider support services.
The report found that patient experiences had improved compared with the previous year, particularly for community services and Royal London Hospital maternity services. Women frequently praised the professionalism, kindness and support provided by midwives, nurses, sonographers and community staff. The Lotus Birthing Centre and Barkantine Birth Centre received particularly positive feedback, while community services such as breastfeeding support, health visitors, children's centres and antenatal classes were valued sources of advice and support.
Despite these improvements, administrative problems remained a significant concern. Women reported issues including lost referrals, appointment delays, inaccurate records, communication failures and problems arranging follow-up care. Some women felt they did not receive sufficient information about procedures such as induction and caesarean sections, while others described delays in discharge processes, inconsistent communication and pressure on postnatal wards caused by staffing shortages and high demand.
Healthwatch Tower Hamlets concluded that maternity services were improving but still required further development. The report recommended improving administrative systems, strengthening communication and information for parents, reducing the impact of delays and staffing pressures, improving discharge and follow-up processes, and sharing good practice from highly rated services such as the Lotus and Barkantine birthing centres.