08/02/10

Maternity Services within Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have been awarded one of the highest scores using new standards within the NHS risk scheme, CNST.

The Trust achieved one of the highest scores in the country for the new Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) Level 2, and in a double success, the Trust is the first to achieve level 2 for CNST in the whole South West region.

Meeting the stringent requirements of CNST, in terms of robust procedures and processes, leads to a better and safer experience for women.

It means that by reaching Level 2 the Trust is judged to have high standards and present a lower risk to women, which is good both for women and good for Trust finances, representing a saving to the Trust of £1.3million over three years, in insurance premiums.

Paul Byrne, Divisional Director for Women’s and Children’s Division, said:

“We are all absolutely delighted to have gained CNST Level 2.

“Not only does this award acknowledge the safe, quality care we endeavour to provide to the women who use our service in Cheltenham and Gloucester, but is also a substantial saving of £1.3 million to the Trust by reducing the amount of premium we pay each year for the next three years to CNST.

“Huge thanks to all who contributed to our success, including many midwives, consultants, junior obstetricians, neonatologists and admin support staff.

Achieving CNST Level 2 involved substantial preparation and the assessment itself was a searching two day assessment when over 700 sets of notes were reviewed against standard criteria by two external assessors working with the Trust’s CNST team.

This year the Maternity Service is preparing for the opening of the new Women’s Centre at GRH early in 2011, but is starting to plan now to take the Level 3 assessment in 2012/ 13.

Paul said: “We are committed to constantly improving our services in Maternity and strive for the highest quality of care for our women and babies. “