“Urgent improvement” needed in Luton and Dunstable maternity services, says MP.
The Luton and Dunstable Hospital has gotten low ratings from the Care and Quality Commission.
Luton North MP Sarah Owen told Parliament today that the Luton and Dunstable Hospital’s maternity services require “urgent improvements” following a report that highlighted severe flaws.
The Care and Quality Commission (CQC), which monitors hospital inspections, recently demoted the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital’s maternity services from “requires improvement” to “inadequate,” the lowest possible rating.
The CQC found that workers frequently felt unsupported in their work, and that not enough was being done to address racial prejudice faced by maternity staff. It was also discovered that some employees did not feel comfortable reporting issues for fear of retaliation.
after Women and Equalities questions in the House of Commons, Owen stated that “trauma during childbirth can have lifelong and debilitating consequences.” Failing maternity services affect all families, but especially those from low-income and ethnic minority backgrounds. “Mothers and babies deserve better.”
In response to Owen’s contribution, health minister Stephen Kinnock MP announced the formation of the Maternity and Neonatal National Taskforce.
This group will create a national plan to improve maternity and neonatal care. The Health Secretary will head the panel, which will include experts as well as representatives from families, charities, and staff.”
Owen recently met with Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron and is collaborating with the leadership of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to ensure that Luton patients receive improvements as soon as feasible.
Speaking afterwards, Sarah Owen MP stated: “Multiple reviews have now established that the maternity services provided by the Luton and Dunstable hospitals are just not good enough.
The CQC has discovered serious cultural problems, including racism and discrimination, in addition to staffing challenges. In a diverse town like ours, everyone must feel appreciated at work.
I will be visiting the L&D shortly and will continue to collaborate with Ministers, hospital administration, and staff who are all committed to seeing urgent improvements to our hospital’s maternity services. “No woman should have to put up with subpar care because of where she lives.
I would encourage anyone with concerns, whether they are patients or staff members, to contact me or the patient advice and liaison service (PALS).
Earlier this year, Liz Lees, head nurse at Bedfordshire Hospitals Foundation Trust, stated that there was a substantial midwifery vacancy in Luton by 2023. A handful of experienced midwives opted to quit or retire.
Around that time, we had recruited 60 midwives from various countries and care models around the world. ”
We underestimated team preparation, leading to cultural hurdles and behavioural issues inside the department.
Those midwives are considerably more accustomed to our service now. Some have progressed to senior positions, which is really encouraging.
We’ve quite a healthy pipeline of midwives coming out of the University of Bedfordshire and our vacancy rate is in a much better place than two years ago.”
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