NNUH top rated by maternity patients in national survey

Women patients have rated the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital as a top performer for care during pregnancy and birth.

A national survey run by the Care Quality Commission, which asked women about their experiences, places the NNUH in the top 20 per cent of hospitals in 12 areas of care. The high ratings were for listening to patients, giving enough time to ask questions, being spoken to in a way they could understand, having enough information and being involved in decisions about their care.

The hospital was also a top performer with patients who said they were treated with dignity and respect, had their concerns taken seriously during labour and birth and had confidence and trust in the staff. The Trust’s rating was lower when patients were asked if their thought their length of stay in hospital was appropriate.

Head of Midwifery Glynis Moore said: “Understanding the views of our patients is very important to us and we are delighted that we have been rated so highly by them. We have been reviewing the details of the survey and will be looking at ways we can improve even further.
“Previous local questionnaires have shown length of stay in hospital was considered too long, so we have made improvements and we will continue to work on this issue. We have an excellent team of staff at all levels and this report is a testament to their dedication and enthusiasm.”

The 2013 survey of women's experiences of maternity service covered 26 areas of care and involved 137 NHS acute trusts in England. Nationally, the response rate to the survey was 46% and the response rate for NNUH was 61% (278 responses).

Notes to editors

Women rated the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital as in the best performing Trusts for:
1. Being listening to during antenatal check ups
2. Given enough time during to ask questions during antenatal check ups
3. Being given the help they needed when they contacted a midwife during antenatal care
4. Being spoken to in a way they could understand during antenatal care
5. Having a contact number for a midwife or midwifery team
6. Having enough information to decide where to have their baby
7. Being involved in decisions about their care
8. Being treated with dignity and respect
9. For concerns being taken seriously during labour and birth
10. Having confidence and trust in the staff during labour and birth
11. Being spoken to in a way they could understand during labour and birth
12. Rating staff highly and for introducing themselves when treatment was being given.