News stories

Heartlands Hospital, part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), has had its maternity services rated Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), recognising the significant improvements made since the previous inspection. 

The CQC reviewed 15 quality statements across four key areas: Safe, Effective, Responsive and Well-led, and concluded that the service had made substantial progress, resulting in an overall rating of Good.  

The CQC recognised improvements in safety, leadership, communication and patient experience, supported by stronger governance, better multidisciplinary working and overwhelmingly positive feedback from women and families. 

The report highlighted reduced induction delays, better communication and multidisciplinary working, and a positive culture where staff feel supported to speak up. 

The positive findings were reflected in feedback from women and families. The CQC's 2025 maternity survey showed significant improvements in women's experiences compared with the previous year, while the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) reported that feedback from women was around 99% positive. The MNVP told inspectors there had been a significant turnaround, with women offering overwhelming praise for staff and the care they received. 

Carla Jones-Charles, Director of Midwifery at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

"We are delighted that our maternity services have been rated Good by the CQC. 

"This recognition reflects the dedication, professionalism and compassion of our midwives, obstetricians, anaesthetists, neonatal teams, maternity support workers and all colleagues who work tirelessly to provide safe, high-quality care for women, babies and families.

"Over the past year we have focused on listening to women and families, strengthening our culture, improving safety and embedding sustainable improvements across the service. We are particularly pleased that the CQC recognised the positive culture within our workforce, the improvements in communication and governance, and the progress made in women's experiences of care. 

"While we are proud of this achievement and the significant improvements that have been made, we know there is more work to do. We remain committed to learning, continuous improvement and working with women, families, our partners and staff to ensure we provide the very best maternity care possible." 

Margaret Garbett, Chief Nurse, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

“This Good rating is a significant achievement and reflects the determination of our teams to deliver meaningful and lasting improvements for women, babies and families. I am incredibly proud of colleagues across Heartlands maternity services for the way they have listened, learned and worked together to strengthen safety, quality and women’s experiences of care. We recognise there is still more to do, and we will continue to build on this progress with the same commitment, openness and focus.” 

The Trust acknowledges that the report identifies areas where further improvement is required and has already put plans in place to address these areas.  

University Hospitals Birmingham remains committed to building on the progress made and ensuring women, babies and families continue to receive safe, compassionate and effective care across its maternity services.