Mid Yorkshire Hospital Trust warned over maternity services

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) issued the warning to Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust today after an inspection of maternity services.

On three separate visits to Dewsbury and District Hospital last month, inspectors found low staffing levels risked patient safety.

Inspectors raised concerns over a lack of one-to-one care, women waiting hours in a corridor before being seen and high levels of staff sickness.

The investigation was carried out to find out if improvements had been made following an earlier visit to Mid Yorkshire, the CQC said.

And it followed an independent review of women’s services at the trust which raised concerns over patient safety, staff morale and the behaviour of some consultants.

CQC regional director Jo Dent said: “This warning sends a clear message that Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust needs to address these issues or face serious consequences.

“CQC has a range of legal powers it can use if it is found the required progress has not been made. Where necessary we will use these powers to protect the people who use this service.”

Stephen Eames, the trust’s chief executive, said urgent action was being taken to improve the service.

He said: “I am confident that the improvements we have put in place will strengthen our maternity service at Dewsbury.

“We will make the further changes necessary and continue to work in partnership with the CQC to make sure that our patients receive safe, high quality maternity care.”