Maternity indicators report published

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has produced a report which highlights a considerable variation in practice and outcomes amongst maternity units in England. It lists a number of indicators which can be used to compare the performance of English maternity units and it is hoped that an annual review of these indicators will help to improve the quality of care.

According to Dr David Richmond RCOG Vice President (Clinical Quality):

“;It highlights that specialist-delivered care must expand so that for women with complex obstetric needs- which may only become apparent during labour- care can be provided by trained clinicians 24 hrs a day 7 days a week”

Susan Brown, part of the clinical negligence team at Boyes Turner comments:

“In my own practice I often find that the poor outcome has been caused by failings in the provision of ‘out of hours’ maternity care. Timing of delivery can’t be confined to standard hours and it is crucial that more is done to ensure safe maternity care whatever the time of day or day of the week. Hopefully ongoing review in this way will improve the quality of care provided to all”