A spokesperson for Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has issued this statement after today’s release of the CQC report into NUH Maternity.
Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (HWNN) acknowledges the recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) report that has noted improvements in the Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) Maternity Services, moving from an ‘inadequate’ rating to ‘requires improvement.’
“We recognise the dedication of the NUH Maternity team in their efforts to enhance the quality of care provided to expectant mothers and families across Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire.
“This progress is a step in the right direction, however, in our role as the independent voice of health and care service users and their families we’d like to emphasise the importance of striving for excellence in healthcare.
“While we celebrate the improvements made thus far, it is vital to acknowledge that there is still significant work ahead to ensure that NUH Maternity Services achieve a standard they can be genuinely proud of.
“Our main concern remains centred on the experiences of the families and individuals who access these services. We believe that meaningful engagement with these families, and in particular those whose voices are least heard is essential to driving real change and improvement.
“We urge NUH to engage with families in a purposeful and intentional manner, involving them in the decision-making process regarding their care.
“It is essential that every family, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equitable access to the support and information they need during their maternity journey.
“NUH Maternity Services must actively seek the perspectives of all, including those patients and their families who may face challenges in accessing necessary support.
HWNN remains committed to ensuring that the voice of our communities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is heard and acted upon, and we call upon NUH to continue their dedication to improvement and to keep striving for excellence in maternity care.
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