North Mid Maternity Services: Enfield Residents Share their Experiences
Healthwatch Enfield conducted outreach to understand the experiences of mothers, birthing people, and their partners who accessed maternity care at North Middlesex Hospital (North Mid). This work was undertaken in response to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, which rated the hospital's maternity services as inadequate.
The majority of women rated their maternity experience at North Mid positively, with many expressing satisfaction with the quality of care and support received. Despite the positive feedback, some areas were identified for improvement, particularly around communication and postnatal support.
Read the full Maternity Care Report:
Here are some key findings:
Quality of Care
- Many mothers highlighted the professionalism and attentiveness of midwives and healthcare staff, with feedback such as "fantastic care" and "midwives were lovely."
- Many respondents found their labour and delivery experience reassuring and well-supported.
- However, some noted that a small number of staff lacked bedside manner, and a few mothers experienced delays in care or missed diagnoses.
Communication
- Majority of the respondents found it "Somewhat easy" (38%) or "Very Easy" (28%) to communicate with healthcare professionals when needed, with only a small proportion finding it difficult.
- Some participants described healthcare staff as approachable and responsive.
Breastfeeding Support
- A majority of mothers found it easy to access breastfeeding support, with many appreciating the encouragement and guidance they received.
- Breastfeeding drop-in sessions in the community, such as those at the Dugdale Centre, were particularly well-received.
- Some women expressed a desire for more one-to-one support and felt there should be better promotion of all feeding options without pressure.
Mental Health
- Many mothers reported receiving helpful referrals and support for postnatal mental health concerns.
- Around half of those surveyed did not have discussions about their mental health with healthcare professionals, suggesting opportunities for proactive outreach.
Pain Management
- A significant number of women were satisfied with the pain relief options provided during childbirth.
- Some mothers reported difficulties in accessing adequate pain relief post-birth, particularly following C-sections.
Interpreter Access
- Respondents who required interpreters generally found it easy to access language support at their initial appointments.
- Some women indicated challenges in securing interpreter support for follow-up visits.
Recommending North Middlesex Hospital
- Many respondents stated they would recommend North Mid to friends and family, citing positive experiences and professional care.
- However, some mothers, based on past experiences, opted to seek care elsewhere due to perceived shortcomings in communication and support.
If you have experienced challenges with maternity services in Enfield, we encourage you to share your feedback with Healthwatch Enfield. Your voice can help shape future improvements to maternity services in our borough.
Phone: 020 8373 6283
