In a remarkable turnaround, Queen’s Hospital in Romford has transformed its maternity services, evolving from a ‘requires improvement’ rating to being recognised for its excellence. This shift has been driven by a commitment to addressing past inadequacies, hiring additional staff, and enhancing support for a diverse patient population. The changes come at a crucial time, as the NHS grapples with increasing concerns over maternal safety across the country.
A Joyous Arrival Amidst Challenges
Just two days after giving birth, Juliana Nascimento Barbosa radiates happiness in her hospital bed, cradling her newborn son, Dominic. The couple from Essex, supported by Juliana’s husband Emerson, navigated a challenging birth experience at Queen’s Hospital. Their son, receiving phototherapy for jaundice, highlights the complexities that can arise during childbirth, making the role of healthcare professionals even more critical.
Dr. Kathryn Tompsett, head of maternity and children’s care at the hospital, explains the urgency that guided Dominic’s delivery. A CTG trace revealed that he had passed meconium in utero, a signal of potential distress that necessitated quick action. “When that happens, the priority is to get the baby born ASAP,” Dr. Tompsett states, underscoring the high stakes involved.
Juliana’s labour, while initially slow, progressed rapidly once the decision was made to assist her delivery. After a series of medical interventions, including an episiotomy and ventouse assistance, Dominic was safely welcomed into the world. Juliana expresses deep gratitude for the care she received, particularly from staff members who spoke her native Portuguese, bridging communication gaps that could have added to her anxiety.
Significant Improvements Post-CQC Rating
Historically, Queen’s Hospital faced significant scrutiny for its maternity services, with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating the unit as ‘requires improvement’ in 2021 and reaffirming this assessment in 2024. This rating was reflective of broader issues within NHS maternity units, where nearly two-thirds were found to be unsafe.
However, a concerted effort by the Barking, Havering, and Redbridge NHS Trust has led to substantial enhancements. Following the CQC’s warnings, the hospital has increased its maternity staff from 552 to 699, including 22 new doctors and 65 midwives. The vacancy rate has plummeted from 16% to just 4%, facilitating a more responsive and efficient service.
The improvements have had a tangible effect, with the CQC’s latest inspection in August 2025 resulting in a ‘good’ rating for the maternity unit. Matthew Trainer, the former chief executive, remarked on this progress, highlighting it as a significant milestone in a previously troubled history.
Empowering Diverse Communities
Queen’s Hospital serves a richly diverse community, with a significant number of patients who do not speak English as their first language. Recognising this, the hospital has implemented measures to ensure that language barriers do not hinder the quality of care.
Bilingual volunteers, such as Saba Asif and Jobaida Alam, provide invaluable support, helping non-English speaking patients navigate their experiences. Saba notes, “I tell them to relax and that they will be in good hands, in safe hands,” fostering a sense of reassurance during what can be a daunting time.
Additionally, the hospital has focused on improving outcomes for mothers in deprived areas, successfully reducing stillbirth rates by 31% over the past year. This proactive approach, which includes tailored care for high-risk patients, reflects a commitment to equity in healthcare.
Continuing the Momentum
Despite the progress made, Trainer acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. “We have more to do,” he states, reiterating the importance of sustaining improvements to ensure that all mothers and babies receive the care they deserve.
As the NHS faces increasing scrutiny regarding maternal safety, the strides made at Queen’s Hospital provide a beacon of hope. With ongoing reforms, there is potential for a brighter future for maternity care across England, shifting the narrative from one of failure to that of resilience and improvement.
Why it Matters
The enhancements at Queen’s Hospital reflect a crucial shift in the NHS’s approach to maternity care, addressing longstanding issues that have affected countless families. As the healthcare system strives to restore trust and ensure safety for mothers and newborns, the success of initiatives at Queen’s serves as a model for how targeted improvements can lead to better outcomes. This not only boosts the confidence of expectant parents but also highlights the essential need for ongoing investment and reform in maternity services across the country.
