Maternity services at Worthing Hospital have been downgraded by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) from 'good' to 'requires improvement'. An inspection in April identified concerns regarding safe care and treatment, as well as overall management.
Amanda Williams, CQC deputy director of hospitals, secondary and specialist care in Sussex, stated that while some action had been taken since a previous inspection, progress was slow and the service was not consistently keeping women and babies safe.
The CQC's review of 11 care records found incomplete observations and delays in escalation for three women. Inspectors also noted that leaders were not safely managing medicine administration and that there was only one dedicated obstetric theatre for both planned and emergency caesarean sections, which increased the risk of delays during emergencies.
Out-of-date guidelines for staff regarding high rates of postpartum haemorrhage were also identified, with no thematic review completed to understand the risk. However, the CQC did find improvements in clinical outcomes for babies, with neonatal mortality rates now below the national average.
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged there was "more to do" and stated its commitment to listening to women and families. The trust also mentioned taking further action since the inspection, including securing funding for staffing and recruiting specialist roles.
The maternity department at Worthing Hospital is currently subject to an independent review led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden.