Can I Get Proper Care If My Maternity Unit Is Not Favoured by the Care Quality Commission?

Choosing where to give birth and receive antenatal care is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy. While the health and safety of both you and your baby are paramount, the quality of the maternity unit you attend plays a significant role in the overall experience and care you receive. In the UK, maternity units are assessed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), an independent body that rates the safety and quality of healthcare services. However, there are instances where a maternity unit may not be highly rated or favoured by the CQC. If you’re pregnant and concerned about your antenatal care in such a unit, you may wonder: Can I still receive proper care if my maternity unit isn’t favoured by the CQC? This article will explore your options and provide guidance on how to navigate antenatal appointments, receive antenatal support, and ensure the quality of care is not compromised, even in facilities that may not have the highest ratings.

1. Understanding the CQC Rating System for Maternity Units

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the body responsible for regulating and inspecting healthcare services across England, including antenatal care and maternity units. The CQC uses a system of ratings that evaluates healthcare facilities on several key areas, including:

• Safety: Are patients protected from avoidable harm?
• Effectiveness: Does the service provide effective care that meets the needs of patients?
• Caring: Is care delivered with compassion, respect, and empathy?
• Responsiveness: How well does the service respond to patients’ needs?
• Well-led: Is the service well-managed and led? The CQC assigns ratings to maternity units, which can range from Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, to Inadequate. A lower rating, such as “Requires Improvement” or “Inadequate,” does not necessarily mean that care is subpar; however, it does indicate areas where the unit may need to improve. This may raise concerns for some expectant parents about the level of antenatal care they will receive.

2. What Does a Lower CQC Rating Mean for Your Antenatal Care?

If your local maternity unit has received a lower rating, it’s important to remember that antenatal care continues to be available, regardless of the CQC’s assessment. Here are some key considerations regarding care in these circumstances:

1. Understanding CQC Ratings and Their Implications

A CQC rating of “Requires Improvement” or “Inadequate” often reflects specific areas where the facility has been found to have shortcomings, such as staffing shortages, outdated equipment, or issues with cleanliness or safety protocols. However, it doesn’t mean that every aspect of care is deficient. Many maternity units with lower ratings still offer high-quality care in some departments, particularly in areas such as:

• Antenatal scans and antenatal checkups.
• Prenatal care including blood tests, screening, and vaccinations.
• Antenatal support, including counselling services and mental health care. If you’re concerned about the facility’s rating, ask your healthcare provider what improvements have been made since the rating was issued. Antenatal care may continue to be effective, even if some areas of service are in need of improvement.

2. Continuing with Care at a Lower-Rated Maternity Unit

If your maternity unit has a CQC rating of “Requires Improvement” or lower, you may still choose to continue your antenatal appointments there. In many cases, you will still receive quality care, and your healthcare providers will work hard to make sure you have a safe and positive experience. However, if you have concerns, discuss them with your midwife or obstetrician. They may be able to reassure you or offer alternative options, such as:

• Providing additional checks and measures during antenatal scans or antenatal checkups.
• Offering support for specific concerns, such as nutrition, mental health, and exercise (antenatal yoga or pregnancy fitness classes).
• Ensuring you have the right antenatal vitamins and guidance for a healthy pregnancy.

3. Your Rights and Options If You’re Unsatisfied with the Care Provided

As an expectant parent, you are entitled to high-quality care, no matter what the CQC rating of your maternity unit is. If you’re unhappy with your care, there are steps you can take to ensure your antenatal support is optimal.

1. Speaking Up About Concerns

If you have concerns about the care you’re receiving, it’s important to voice them. Speak to your midwife or obstetrician during your antenatal appointments. This can help you receive the information and support you need to make informed decisions. If your concerns are not addressed satisfactorily, you can contact the hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). They offer a confidential service for addressing any complaints or concerns you might have about your care.

2. Considering a Transfer to Another Maternity Unit

If you are particularly concerned about the care at your local maternity unit, you may wish to consider transferring to another facility with a higher CQC rating. This can be discussed with your midwife or doctor, who will help facilitate the transfer if it’s the best option for your pregnancy. Many people choose this option later in pregnancy, but it’s important to understand that it is still possible to receive high-quality antenatal care in a unit with a lower CQC rating.

4. Ensuring Quality Antenatal Care in a Lower-Rated Maternity Unit

If you choose to continue with a maternity unit that isn’t highly rated by the CQC, you can take proactive steps to ensure you still receive the best possible antenatal care and support. Here’s how:

1. Maintain Regular Antenatal Checkups

Even in lower-rated units, it’s essential to keep attending your antenatal appointments regularly. These appointments offer critical opportunities for monitoring the health of both you and your baby. During antenatal checkups, your healthcare team will assess various aspects of your pregnancy, including:

• Your overall health and wellness.
• The growth and development of your baby through antenatal scans.
• Screenings for conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. By staying on top of your antenatal care, you’re taking proactive steps to maintain your pregnancy health, regardless of your unit’s rating.

2. Seek Additional Antenatal Support

Antenatal support can come in many forms, both medical and emotional. You can seek additional antenatal support by:

• Attending antenatal yoga classes or pregnancy yoga classes to promote physical wellness and relaxation during pregnancy.
• Seeking pregnancy massage to relieve physical tension and stress and promote relaxation during pregnancy.
• Exploring antenatal education classes or local support groups to connect with other expectant parents and gather additional information about pregnancy and birth. These resources will help ensure that you receive comprehensive support, no matter where you are receiving your care.

3. Monitoring Your Own Health and Wellness

Take an active role in monitoring your health by following a healthy diet, taking antenatal vitamins, staying hydrated, and engaging in safe physical activities such as pregnancy yoga or walking. By focusing on your well-being, you’ll be helping to improve both your health and your baby’s health. Antenatal vitamins, in particular, are important for ensuring that both you and your baby get the nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy.

5. Conclusion

While it can be concerning to learn that your maternity unit is not favoured by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), it’s essential to remember that a lower rating doesn’t automatically mean poor care. You are entitled to antenatal care that meets your needs, and there are ways to navigate challenges while still receiving proper care. Whether you decide to stay with your current maternity unit or seek care elsewhere, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. Regular antenatal appointments, seeking additional antenatal support, and staying informed about your health are all steps you can take to ensure the best possible experience throughout your pregnancy. You can still have a healthy, happy pregnancy even if your maternity unit does not have a perfect CQC rating.