Perinatal services across Lancashire and South Cumbria praised as CQC rates them 'outstanding'
Perinatal mental health services supporting mothers and babies across Lancashire and South Cumbria have been rated “outstanding” following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The unannounced inspection, carried out in August, looked at the Ribblemere inpatient ward at Chorley Hospital and three specialist community perinatal teams based in Lancaster, Leyland and Blackburn.
Together, they cover the full Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) area.
It was the first time the CQC had inspected the service, rating it outstanding for being responsive, caring and well-led, and good for being safe and effective.
Inspectors praised the teams for involving patients in decisions about their care, their openness and honesty, and strong partnership work with other health and social care services.
They also highlighted a positive workplace culture, with staff feeling supported, motivated and well-led.
LSCFT chief executive Chris Oliver said the rating reflected the “exemplary care and support” provided daily by colleagues.
We are delighted that our perinatal services have deservedly been rated as outstanding which is a result of the exemplary care and support they deliver every day with respect and kindness,” he said.
“We are very proud of both our inpatient and community teams as we repeatedly hear about the positive and lasting impact they have on the lives of mothers and their babies as well as the wider family, seeing them go from being extremely unwell and needing urgent support, to recovering and thriving as mums.”
He said patient feedback was “99% positive”, and inspectors noted examples of culturally sensitive care, as well as staff ensuring privacy for mothers breastfeeding or receiving visits while on special observations.
The CQC also found:
- Leaders consistently fostered a culture of openness and collaboration.
- Staff involved the right mix of health and social care professionals to ensure continuity of safe care before and after discharge.
- Patients were routinely included in planning their treatment.
- Staff had a strong understanding of the duty of candour and apologised when things went wrong.
- People had good access to physical healthcare and specialist input when needed.
- Teams worked effectively with safeguarding services, midwives, health visitors and GPs.
- A wide range of therapies and activities were available on the Ribblemere ward, including baby massage, story time and sessions to build confidence and parenting skills.
Mr Oliver added: “My thanks go to each and every colleague within both our inpatient ward and community teams, who I know take pride in providing supportive and collaborative care every day, really making a difference.”
The full inspection report is available on the CQC website.
More information about perinatal mental health services and the Ribblemere Mother and Baby Unit can be found on the LSCFT website.