Two days after giving birth, Juliana Nascimento Barbosa is still ecstatic about becoming a mother. Her son Dominic was born after a complicated labour that required an assisted vaginal delivery with a ventouse suction cup and an episiotomy. Juliana, who speaks Portuguese, received crucial support from a psychotherapist and a midwife who both spoke her language, helping her feel safe during the birth.
From 'Requires Improvement' to 'Good'
Queen's Hospital in Romford, where 7,000 babies are born each year, was rated 'requires improvement' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2021 and again in 2024. However, after a series of improvements, the CQC upgraded the maternity unit to 'good' in August 2025. The trust's former chief executive, Matthew Trainer, said the service has 'turned the corner on a once troubled past.'
Key Improvements: Staffing and Support
Since 2021, the maternity department increased its staff headcount by 147, from 552 to 699. This includes 22 more doctors (14 consultants) and 65 midwives. The vacancy rate dropped from 16% to 4%. The unit now triages women within 15 minutes, and 'flow coordinators' work around the clock to reduce delays. The proportion of caesarean sections is 45%, both nationally and at Queen's.
Addressing Language Barriers and Deprivation
Half of the women giving birth at Queen's do not speak English as a first language. Bilingual volunteers like Saba Asif and Jobaida Alam provide interpretation and reassurance. The trust also reduced stillbirths by 31% over the past year by analyzing postcode data to identify high-deprivation areas and providing enhanced continuity of care to mothers-to-be there.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite progress, Matthew Trainer acknowledged that improvements 'have come too late for those who have lost a child.' The maternity service continues to work towards ensuring every mother and baby receive the care they deserve. The government is expected to publish a maternity action plan by the end of the year.
