The Healthcare Commission published its recommendations following an incident at the Newham University Hospital NHS Trust, East London, where nearly 800 mothers-to-be referred for antenatal care were not booked for appointments and did not receive antenatal care.
The Trust took action to remedy the immediate problem, and contacted the Healthcare Commission’s team to inform them of the situation and ask for their involvement.
Recommendations included a review of the arrangements for clinical leadership within the maternity service and action to address the longstanding questions of staffing that have affected on the care given in the unit.
Nigel Ellis, Head of Investigations for the Healthcare Commission said: “This was a very serious incident and the Trust must ensure that lessons are learnt. The Commission has asked that it be kept up to date with the Trust’s monitoring of the progress of the women affected by the incident. All women and their families are entitled to expect safe maternity services backed up by robust administrative systems.”
