MP says positive report on Bridgnorth maternity unit should help argument for return to services

An inspection of Bridgnorth Community Hospital from Care Quality Commission inspectors has given it an overall "good" rating

The report, published on Thursday, praises the hospital for offering a "home-from-home" atmosphere for women at low-risk of complications during labour.

It is despite the fact the hospital has been temporarily closed to mothers due to ongoing staffing problems.

Bridgnorth, Ludlow, and Oswestry midwife-led units (MLU), all closed for up to six months from July 1.

At a meeting of Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust’s board held in Shrewsbury, health officials said the closure was due to making sure Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital’s (PRH) consultant-led unit can be safely staffed.

A shortage of staff at the trust has meant the three MLUs have all faced short-term closures in recent months.

Both Innage Grange Care Home and Bridgnorth Community Hospital were rated ‘Good’ in all five areas of review: safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. Innage Grange received a comprehensive review in July, and Bridgnorth Community Hospital was visited for inspection in November 2016.

The news has been welcomed by Ludlow MP, Philip Dunne, whose constituency covers Bridgnorth.

He has said the positive ratings will hopefully have an impact on future decisions on the future of midwife-led units.

Mr Dunne said: “I welcome the ‘Good’ ratings from the Care Quality Commission for both Bridgnorth Community Hospital and Innage Grange Care Home, showing the quality of healthcare in Bridgnorth. It is important these standards are maintained, and patients continue to be well served.

"The CQC’s positive comments about Bridgnorth Hospital’s MLU will further strengthen the argument for a return of services as soon as possible, now that SaTH have managed to recruit the additional midwives they were seeking.”

The report said: "The service provided a range of choices for women during labour, which included pain relief and hypnobirthing.

"Women told us they felt involved with decisions in their care and we saw women were supported emotionally throughout their pregnancy, birth and postnatally.

"We saw a positive culture within the MLU with strong leadership. Staff and women using the service were encouraged to provide feedback into how improvements could be made."