Mums in north Cumbria are experiencing good care according to the results of a national maternity survey published today.

The survey has placed North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) as one of only seven trusts in the country rated as ‘much better than expected.’

In February 2021, the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) national bi-annual Maternity Survey was sent to all women who gave birth that month during the third COVID-19 national lockdown. The survey asked women about their experiences of care across the pregnancy pathway from antenatal care, labour and birth, and postnatal care.

Responses for NCIC were received from 169 patients – a response rate of 57.1 per cent which is above the national average response rate of 53 per cent. The Trust runs maternity services at the Cumberland Infirmary, West Cumberland Hospital and Penrith Community Hospital.

When compared to other trusts in the North East & Yorkshire region, NCIC scored within the top five for questions relating to labour & birth; staff caring for you; care in hospital after birth and feeding your baby.

The average score for NCIC was 78.2, higher than the national average of 77.5 and the Trust scored much better, better or somewhat better than most trusts on 11 questions.

Amanda Kennett, Associate Director of Midwifery at NCIC, said: “For women to be giving such positive feedback is fantastic, particularly in this survey which was conducted during the third COVID-19 national lockdown. To hear how pleased the majority of women were despite giving birth during a pandemic is a credit to our teams.

“While the overall results are very positive, we will also take the time to reflect on areas where we can improve such as looking at the information we provide on where to have your baby and the leaflets that are accessible to women through the electronic maternity notes app. Feedback from women about their stay in hospital is really important to us and helps us to improve services.

“I would like to thank all our teams who work really hard to make sure that women feel safe, supported and well looked after before, during and after labour.”