A report published yesterday has highlighted a Care Quality Commission inspector’s concerns around a lack of staffing at both hospitals, a shortage of equipment at Basildon, as well as lack of triage services at Southend.
Staffing levels have drastically improved since and the vacancy rate in the maternity departments is at its lowest in three years.
Between September and November, 25 newly qualified midwives have been employed across the hospitals and the vacancy rate is at 5.4 per cent – below the national average.
At Southend Hospital’s maternity ward, issues with hot water were identified but were resolved in April 2024 and no further problems have been reported since.
Since the inspection, Southend now has a dedicated midwife answering the triage phone seven days a week.
Fetal monitoring equipment is regularly checked and available in the triage ward, while all other equipment has been tested.
Diane Sarkar, chief nursing and quality officer for Mid and South Essex, said: “We are committed to providing high-quality, safe maternity care. However, this rating is not where we want to be, and we are working hard to improve.”
The hospital also has a Freedom to Speak Up scheme for staff.