Maternity services report recognises good practice across Northern Ireland

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, today welcomed the publication of a report into maternity services in Northern Ireland.

The report from the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) focussed on the hospital care of women during labour.

The Minister commented: “The findings of the RQIA report supports my Department’s ongoing commitment to achieving the highest possible standards for health and social care services in Northern Ireland.

“The report has commended the approaches being taken by trusts to enhance the safety and quality of their maternity services. I also note that a survey of mothers conducted during this review revealed high levels of satisfaction with regard to the maternity services they received.”

The RQIA review took place between January 2009 and March 2009 and maternity units in Northern Ireland were assessed against standards set out in a document entitled “Safer Childbirth”.

He continued: “While these standards have not been formally endorsed by my Department, they are clearly relevant to the development of our maternity services as we go forward. I therefore welcome this assessment of our maternity units and that the fact that the RQIA has recognised so many areas of good practice within our local services.”

Last month, the Minister announced a comprehensive review of maternity services in Northern Ireland. The findings of this RQIA report will inform that review.

Concluding the Minister said: “The delivery of safe, sustainable maternity services is one of my key priorities and I welcome that each Trust performed well against important indicators of safety and quality. The report points to some areas where we can continue to improve. The investment I have made in maternity services in recent years will contribute to strengthening those improvements.”

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