In a remarkable turnaround, Queen’s Hospital in Romford has reformed its maternity services, moving from a ‘requires improvement’ rating to a commendable ‘good’ following substantial efforts to enhance care quality. This transformation is particularly significant as it comes amidst rising concerns over childbirth safety in England, where data indicates an increase in serious birth injuries.
A New Chapter in Maternity Care
Just two days post-delivery, Juliana Nascimento Barbosa beams with joy at Queen’s Hospital, where she welcomed her son, Dominic. However, her journey to motherhood was not without challenges. After a prolonged labour, a concerning cardiotocograph (CTG) trace indicated potential distress for her baby, necessitating swift medical intervention.
Dr Kathryn Tompsett, head of maternity and children’s care, emphasises the urgency in such cases, stating, “When that happens, the priority is to get the baby born ASAP, usually within 30 minutes.” Following a series of interventions, including an assisted vaginal birth using a ventouse suction cap, Dominic arrived safely, albeit after a tense labour.
A Focus on Comprehensive Care
Juliana’s experience underscores the critical improvements made at Queen’s. The hospital has not only enhanced its staffing levels—adding 147 new positions since 2021—but also tailored its services to meet the needs of a diverse community. Over half of the women who give birth at Queen’s do not speak English as a first language, and approximately 61% hail from the most deprived neighbourhoods in England.
Support from bilingual staff, such as Mariane, a psychologist, and Yassi, a midwife, was invaluable for Juliana. She expressed her gratitude through her husband’s translation, noting, “Having Yassi there made me feel more comfortable. She was my translator. It was very important for me to have her there.”
Significant Improvements Recognised
Queen’s Hospital, part of the Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust, faced scrutiny when the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated its maternity services as ‘requires improvement’ in 2021 and again in 2024. This prompted an investigation by Lady Amos, who highlighted systemic issues across several trusts, including safety concerns and poor leadership.
However, strides have been made to address these challenges. The CQC’s recent inspection led to a positive reassessment, with former chief executive Matthew Trainer declaring that the trust has “turned the corner on a once troubled past.” Local MP Wes Streeting echoed this sentiment, praising the progress as a “huge achievement.”
Tackling Disparities in Birth Outcomes
Queen’s has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at reducing the number of stillbirths, which have decreased by an impressive 31% over the past year. By analysing local data and identifying areas of high deprivation, the hospital has ensured that mothers in these communities receive enhanced continuity of care. This targeted approach has been pivotal in improving outcomes for vulnerable mothers and their babies.
The introduction of “flow coordinators” has also streamlined the maternity process, ensuring that expectant mothers receive timely care—an essential factor in a system that had previously struggled with delays.
Why it Matters
The ongoing reform at Queen’s Hospital is a beacon of hope amid widespread reports of inadequate maternity care across the NHS. With an increasing number of women expressing apprehension about childbirth safety, the improvements made at Queen’s demonstrate that transformative change is not only necessary but achievable. As this hospital sets a new standard for maternity services, it serves as a model for others facing similar challenges, highlighting the power of dedicated leadership and community-focused care in safeguarding the health of mothers and their newborns.
