In a heartening turn of events, Queen’s Hospital in Romford has transformed its maternity services, moving from a “requires improvement” rating to a commendable “good” in less than two years. This shift not only highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance care for mothers and newborns but also sets a benchmark for other NHS facilities grappling with similar challenges.
A Personal Journey: Juliana Nascimento Barbosa’s Experience
Two days post-birth, Juliana Nascimento Barbosa radiates joy from her hospital bed at Queen’s. “I’m so happy to have my baby,” she beams, her husband Emerson by her side and their newborn son Dominic undergoing phototherapy for jaundice. Despite the joy, Juliana’s experience was not without complications.
During her labour, medical staff detected meconium in the amniotic fluid—a concerning sign that necessitated urgent action. Dr Kathryn Tompsett, leading the maternity and children’s care team, emphasised the critical nature of such situations: “When that happens the priority is to get the baby born ASAP, usually within 30 minutes,” she noted.
Thanks to swift interventions, including the use of a ventouse suction cap and an episiotomy, Dominic was safely delivered. Juliana expressed immense gratitude for the care she received, particularly highlighting the importance of bilingual staff who eased communication and comforted her throughout the process.
“Having Yassi there was very important for me. She was my translator. She took care of me,” Juliana explained, illustrating the vital role that culturally competent care plays in patient satisfaction.
Transformational Changes in Maternity Services
Queen’s Hospital has faced scrutiny in the past, receiving alarming ratings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) that indicated systemic failures in maternity care. In 2021, the CQC rated the maternity services as “requires improvement,” a sentiment echoed in a follow-up inspection in 2024.
However, a comprehensive overhaul has since taken place. The hospital has significantly increased its staffing levels, with the number of maternity staff rising from 552 to 699, including an influx of 65 midwives and 22 doctors. This increase has directly addressed critical issues that plagued the unit, such as delays in triaging expectant mothers—an area previously identified as a core problem by the CQC.
Dr Tompsett highlighted that these changes have allowed the hospital to better meet the needs of its diverse community, where many women do not speak English as their first language. Nearly half of the 7,000 births annually at Queen’s involve mothers who face language barriers, and 61% are from some of the most deprived areas in England.
Community-Centric Approach to Care
The implementation of a bilingual maternity support service has been pivotal in enhancing the birth experience for non-English speaking mothers. Volunteers, many of whom are former patients, provide valuable assistance, reassuring women that they will be well cared for, even amidst language challenges.
Juliana’s story exemplifies the importance of this service, as she felt a sense of safety with staff members who understood her language and cultural background. This approach not only fosters trust but also encourages women to seek help during their pregnancies—an essential factor in ensuring positive outcomes.
Moreover, Queen’s has made significant strides in reducing stillbirth rates, achieving a remarkable 31% decline over the past year. By analysing local data and providing tailored care to high-risk areas, the hospital has demonstrated that targeted interventions can lead to substantial improvements in maternal and neonatal health.
Acknowledging Progress and Remaining Challenges
While the advancements at Queen’s Hospital are commendable, the journey for improvement is ongoing. Matthew Trainer, the former chief executive of Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust, acknowledged that while patient satisfaction has increased and complaints have decreased, there remains a pressing need to ensure that every mother and baby receives the highest standard of care.
With maternity services in the NHS facing widespread criticism, Queen’s revitalisation serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that meaningful change is achievable. The government is set to unveil a maternity action plan soon, which will aim to address systemic issues across the board, inspired by successful models like that of Queen’s.
Why it Matters
The revival of maternity services at Queen’s Hospital is significant not only for the women and families it serves but also as a model for other NHS units striving for improvement. With persistent reports of inadequate care and rising concerns among expectant mothers, the progress at Queen’s highlights that with the right resources, supportive leadership, and community engagement, it is possible to provide safe, compassionate, and culturally competent maternity care. This transformation is crucial in restoring trust in the NHS as a whole, ensuring that every mother and child feels valued and cared for during one of the most critical times in their lives.
