The Isle of Wight's Maternity Service, at St Mary's Hospital in Newport, has been haded the results of a recent planned inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - and it's Good.

However, areas for improvement were identified around monitoring, analysing and evaluating triage times and the recording and administering of medicines.

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust says it has brought in an electronic triage system and made updates to its prescription chart. 

The CQC’s report, published yesterday (Wednesday), followed two days of visits in October 2022 - part of the CQC’s national maternity services inspection programme.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Inspectors found services to be safe and well led and staff were supported to achieve and fulfil their roles in an environment that was conducive to learning and supporting staff development.

Amanda Pearson, Director of Midwifery said: "We are delighted to receive a Good rating by the Care Quality Commission, particularly at such a challenging time for Maternity Services and the wider NHS.

"It is really pleasing to see our commitment to safety, learning and improvement come through in the report.

"Our Good rating is true testament to our hard working midwives, doctors and support staff for their dedication and commitment to continually improve the care we offer to pregnant people and their families.”

Mr Nicholas Kenney, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology said: "I am proud to work with such a dedicated, committed, hardworking team. I am pleased the CQC report reflects the highly professional and compassionate care that we, as clinicians, see every day."

What did inspectors find at the Isle of Wight's maternity unit in Newport? 

The CQC report says:

  • Staff received key skills training and collaborated for patients. They also understood how to protect patients from abuse. 
  • There were enough staff to care for women and keep them safe. 
  • Infection risks, medicines and safety incidents were managed well. 
  • Women who chose to give birth outside of guidelines were supported make sure the birth was as safe as possible. Midwives said the teams worked together well to support informed choice.  
  • The service engaged well with women and communities to plan and manage services, and people could access it when they needed. 
  • Staff and leaders were committed to continually improving services. 

Lynsey Stanton, Local Maternity Voice Partnership (MVP) Chair said: "I am so pleased to hear the positive outcome of the department's recent CQC inspection.

"It's been an unprecedented few years but the team have adapted and managed the challenges well.

"I would like to thank all the staff who have been involved with listening to the voice of local families and using the insights to shape services. The CQC outcome is a testament to this and I very much look forward to continuing the work next year. Well done and congratulations to all involved."

Dr Michele Legg, Clinical Director for Isle of Wight at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, said: "This is recognition of the dedication and skill of our amazing colleagues in maternity services across the Island’s NHS. I want to say a huge thank you to all of our staff that work so hard every day for the families in their care."