Statement regarding CQC Report to Horton Maternity Services

A recent inspection of Houghton Hospital’s maternity ward by the Care Quality Commission was extremely disappointing, particularly as the hospital’s overall rating moved to ‘requires improvement’. Like many Bunbury residents, I was born in Houghton and my family has relied on Houghton for generations.

The report’s findings must be taken seriously. It is important that maternity services provide the best possible care to pregnant women. CQC recognizes that the force’s staffing levels are safe and that appropriate leadership exists. They also spoke positively about Houghton Hospital’s wide range of obstetric services and the work its staff is doing to address health disparities in the community. However, it is clear that important improvements need to be made to processes, practices and procedures. I spoke to the Trust earlier this week and heard that some action had already been taken since the inspection took place in October 2023.

I plan to meet with the CQC in the coming weeks to discuss the findings in further detail. In the meantime, I am reassured that they will continue to monitor the unit closely over the coming months. I also continue to remind the Trust that we need to do everything we can to ensure Houghton’s maternity services are fit for purpose. An expectant mother must be confident in choosing the place to have her baby.