One of the best '“ so why downgrade us?

Campaigners have questioned why the maternity unit at St Richard's Hospital is still under threat despite being praised as being among the best in the country.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jan 2008, 10:27 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:02 BST

The Chichester unit has been given the highest overall score of 'best performing' in an independent review, but still faces the prospect of being axed or downgraded as part of the controversial Fit For The Future shake up of health services.

"It just shows how ludicrous it is to be thinking about downgrading the services at St Richard's," said Abigail Rowe from the Support St Richard's campaign.

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The Healthcare Commission carried out the review at all maternity units in England and Wales, assessing whether they provide a high quality, value-for- money service.

The survey used a scoring system from one to five, with questions relating to clinical focus, women-centred care and efficiency and capability.

St Richard's Hospital scored highly in many areas, achieving four or the maximum five out of five for several questions.

These latest results follow on from the positive feedback the hospital received from new mothers in the Healthcare Commission's national survey of maternity experience, where St Richard's was rated higher than the national average in most of the questions.

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The director of operations and nursing at the hospital, Lyn Robertshaw, said: "St Richard's has a great team of midwives, consultants and other maternity staff who take pride in providing an excellent service to new mothers.

"By consistently rating highly in national reviews and surveys, the maternity service is demonstrating its high level of commitment and dedication to all mothers who choose to have their baby at St Richard's."

The Royal West Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath were also given 'best performing' while Worthing Hospital was rated as 'better performing' and Portsmouth Hospitals achieved only a 'fair performing' rating.

The primary care trust has put forward proposals to centralise the county's counsultant-led maternity unit at either St Richard's or Worthing hospital.

It is due to discuss its plans at a special meeting in Pulborough on February 14.

Related topics:Chichester