Maternity services at St Peter’s Hospital have been awarded a good rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its latest report published today (Friday 26 September 2025) - https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/RTK01/inspection-summary#Maternity
Inspectors assessed against 30 quality statements looking at how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led the service was and found significant improvements had been made since their last visit in 2023, noting improved governance, risk management and culture.
In the report, staff were praised for their focus on compassionate care and evidence-based treatment, enabling good outcomes for those using the service. People using the service said they felt treated with kindness and dignity, were listened to by staff, who respected their choices and supported them to have the birth experience they wanted, wherever safe to do so.
The report highlighted a good safety culture within the service, where events were investigated and learning was embedded to ensure good practice. Leaders at all levels of the service were recognised for having the skills, knowledge, experience and credibility to lead effectively and do so with integrity, openness and honesty.
Louise Stead, Group Chief Executive at Ashford and St Peter’s and Royal Surrey Hospitals said: “We are delighted that the CQC has recognised the work of our teams to improve care and experiences for everyone who uses our maternity services. This result is a testament to the team’s hard work, resilience and determination to deliver sustained improvement.
“As with every inspection, the report also sets out areas where further improvements are needed. Much of this work is already well underway, with changes embedded since the inspection to strengthen both the quality of care and the experience for patients, families and staff.”
John Machin, Acting Chair at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the team – I know they have worked tirelessly over the last two years to make sustainable changes that will benefit the families under our care. I’d like to thank our staff and those using our services who shared their feedback and experiences as part of this inspection.”
Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust offer midwifery-led, obstetric and community care during the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal stages of pregnancy. Services include the Abbey Birth Centre, labour ward, an antenatal and postnatal ward, the maternity day assessment unit, antenatal clinics and bereavement support. In 2024/25, the service supported families to welcome over 2,700 babies.
