I was concerned to be notified by the Care Quality Commission that following an inspection as part of their national maternity services inspection programme, East Surrey Hospital’s maternity department has now been rated as “requires improvement” a fall from its previous rating of “outstanding”.
There is a huge feeling in Horsham that we should have our own local hospital, including maternity which we of course used to have in the town. That is a sentiment I share and a demand I am never slow to make at every opportunity.
We all know that the NHS, for clinical reasons, are against this in principle, favouring the existing lay down of a smaller number of excellent hospitals with the best clinical expertise. They believe this is the best way to save lives and improve outcomes.
However the key here is “excellent hospitals”. From a low base East Surrey turned around its reputation and is now rated an “Outstanding” hospital. It has received considerable investment – including in A&E – and we want to see it retain its improved reputation and constantly improve outcomes.
In the light of this the CQC report on maternity is a real concern to me as it will be to local prospective parents.
I have written to the Chief Executive of East Surrey Hospital asking that she outline the plan the hospital has to make necessary improvements. I will be following this up in a meeting with the Chief Executive early in the New Year when I will want to hear how that plan is progressing and will update constituents.
East Surrey Hospital’s overall rating remains “outstanding” but we want every component to be meeting the same high threshold.
