Mothers give thumbs up to Royal Surrey maternity services

Royal Surrey maternity services has been given top ratings by patients in a national survey published by the Care Quality Commission on the 2^nd December.

86% of women, who responded to the survey, rated their care at the Royal Surrey during labour and birth excellent or very good and 90% of women rated care after the birth care as excellent, very good, or good.

The survey was divided into five categories which asked questions about: care during pregnancy, labour and birth, staff during labour and birth, care in hospital after birth (post natal care), and feeding the baby during the first few days.

Patients ranked the Royal Surrey in the top 20% of trusts in the country for treatment and care during labour and birth. This included scores of 9.32 out of 10 for clear communication during labour and birth, and 9.18 for partners and companions being made welcome by staff. Royal Surrey also scored in the top 20% of Trusts for pain relief during labour and birth.

The Royal Surrey was rated one of the best units in Surrey.

Commenting on the survey results Jenny Hughes, Head Midwifery said: ‘This is brilliant news. I am delighted that the maternity team’s dedication to putting patients first and providing excellent care has been recognised.

“This not only includes Royal Surrey midwifes at the hospital and community, but all the doctors, maternity support and sonographers who work together as a fantastic team to make the service one to be proud of.

“I would also like to thank the team for going above and beyond to ensure mothers where able to receive the care and treatment needed during the current challenging weather conditions”.

On Thursday, 2^nd of December, six babies were delivered at the hospital despite heavy snow fall affecting travel. To ensure they were on hand to offer support, Matron Jaqui Tingle and Ultra Sound manager Susanne Beattie – Jones braved the snow to walk to the Hospital from Bramley and Ripley.

Two Royal Surrey County Hospital community midwifes helped Lisa Wilkinson, 38, gave birth to her third baby, and first son, this morning at home in Farnham. She has not been able to leave her house since Wednesday due to icy road conditions. 

Royal Surrey County Hospital Community midwife Jane Monk was not on duty but volunteered her services, and her husband’s old Land Rover, to help a fellow midwife, Helen Dodd, reach the expectant mother at 5.30 this morning. The Wilkinson’s praised the midwifes for their dedication and care.

Lisa Wilkinson said ‘We haven’t been able to get out of the house for a couple of days now so I was quite worried. Luckily Jane reassured me every step of the way that she would be able to get here. She was lovely and so reassuring. They were both wonderful.’