CQC finds significant improvements at Basingstoke hospital

A Care Quality Commission (CQC) report published after an assessment on July 8, 2025, found that Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital had made important progress in maternity care.

The inspection followed previous breaches of regulations found in November 2021, which had led to enforcement action around safety, safeguarding, and governance.

Maternity teams at Hampshire Hospitals (Image: HHFT)

The CQC found that women and their families were treated with compassion and kindness throughout their maternity journey.

Inspectors noted that women felt listened to and that staff responded to their needs.

Women could access care and treatment when needed and understood their birthing options, including the risks and benefits.

The hospital had improved staffing levels in obstetrics and midwifery, ensuring safer workloads and consistent one-to-one care during labour.

Staff also provided enhanced mentorship and development for student midwives and new team members, supporting professional growth and future workforce stability.

The report highlighted that all staff were positive about working in the maternity unit.

Staff told inspectors they felt valued by leadership and spoke highly of the senior maternity team.

Inspectors noted an improved culture of safety and learning, with clear systems in place to investigate incidents and identify learning.

The hospital introduced new infection control and medicines safety measures, maintaining clean facilities and safer administration of treatments.

The Birth Equity Group and trauma-informed training helped raise awareness of inequalities and improved experiences for diverse families.

However, the CQC found that audits were not always fully completed by staff, and there was a lack of oversight of maternity audits by senior leads.

This was partly due to vacancies within the governance team.

The Director of Midwifery told inspectors the service was prioritising high-risk incident reviews and complaints until recruitment was complete.

Between January and June 2025, data showed some poor compliance in staff completing the maternity enhanced obstetric warning score (MEOWs). The service said this was because not all data fields were completed.

The Director of Midwifery told inspectors the hospital was improving electronic monitoring of MEOWs.

Despite these issues, women told inspectors they were happy with the care they received and felt safe.

Significant improvements in maternity care were also found at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, according to the CQC.

The percentage of women with a positive experience at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust remained above the national average.

Julie Dawes, Chief Nurse at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Achieving a Good rating across all domains at Winchester and Basingstoke maternity sites is a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and compassion of our staff."