The maternity unit at King’s Mill Hospital received positive scores in the annual CQC Maternity survey, which is completed by all women who gave birth there.

The Sutton hospital, part of Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, was placed second out of 34 trusts surveyed for antenatal care, and scored highly for mental health support.

Gemma Boyd, consultant midwife and professional midwifery advocate, said: “The maternity team is passionate about making sure that the voice of families is at the centre of everything we do, and we work hard to make sure that any improvements we make are in partnership with the birthing people we serve.”

The team has introduced a training session on understanding the experiences of women and birthing people, and trauma informed care, while 24 newly-qualified midwives were recruited between October 2023 and October 2024.

Hayley Hill, in a new role as planned care lead midwife, has led multiple improvements, such as improving the way the unit shares information on how an induction of labour works, and what women should expect during their stay as an inpatient.

She has been instrumental in introducing a non-hormonal method of induction (of labour), which has shown to have a positive impact on patient experience and outcomes for babies; addressed patient feedback by amending pain relief options in early labour; and has moved essential information relating to induction of labour and elective caesarean section appointments to a digital app.

In response to feedback, the Lime Green infant feeding team, which provides specialist one-on-one infant feeding support, has made its services available on wards every morning, and introduced a weekly Birth Afterthoughts Clinic. Recliner chairs have also been introduced at every bedside.

Paula Shore, director of midwifery, said: “I am proud to see the high standards of compassionate and safe care we strive for reflected in the results of this survey.”