Maternity units among best in UK

Maternity services in the West Midlands are among the best in the country, according to a study by the Healthcare Commission released today.

Eleven of the 15 main trusts in the West Midlands have been rated either "best performing" or "better performing" or "least well performing" compared to other organisations in the country in the most comprehensive study ever of NHS maternity services. However, the findings show that standards of care vary dramatically from trust to trust.

The Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust is the only one in the Black Country to receive the top rating of "best performing" with Sandwell and West Birmingham ranking among the lowest performing hospitals.

Trusts ranked in the "better performing" category include the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust; Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust and Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust.

Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust was joined in the "least well performing'' category by the Heart of England NHS Trust.

Jessamy Kinghorn, spokeswoman for the Sandwell trust, said: "The trust is disappointed to have received a weak rating from the Healthcare Commission and is determined to improve its position."

Head of midwifery in Dudley, Steph Mansell, said: "This latest report from the Healthcare Commission reassures women and their families that if they choose to have their baby under the care of the Dudley maternity service, whether it be in hospital or in their own home, they will receive the very highest standards of care and support throughout their pregnancy, delivery and post-natal care."

The review took into account 25 different factors including staffing levels, numbers of midwives and consultants, the mothers' own views about the state of delivery suites and standards of care, and the welfare of mothers and babies.