MID Cheshire's pregnant women and their families have access to the best maternity care in the country after Leighton Hospital picked up a coveted title.
The unit, managed by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was named as the country’s best by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) as part of their 2015 Annual Midwifery Awards.
Competing against hospitals from Hampshire and Basildon for the Mothercare-sponsored award, the accolade recognises 'excellence and innovation in the provision of maternity care and in the organisation of the service'.
Tracy Bullock, MCHFT Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted and extremely proud of our maternity services and the team of highly-skilled professionals who provide such fantastic care to our local mums and their families.
“Despite being one of the smallest units in the north west, our maternity service has improved significantly over the past few years and this award puts us firmly up there amongst the best services in the country.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Maternity staff who made this possible, and also our local community for the great support that they have shown our service over the years.”
The RCM Award is the latest accolade received by the service, following a positive rating in the CQC National Patient Survey as well as being named as one of the safest units in the country by the NHS Litigation Authority through the achievement of the highest level of the CNST scheme and achieving Stage Two of UNICEF’s Baby Friendly initiative.
The award win comes shortly after the unit’s supervisors of Midwives were shortlisted for another national award – the British Journal of Midwifery’s 'Leadership in Midwifery' Award.
Tracy added: “I wish our team of supervisors all the best in their award.
"They work hard to support our Midwives and are available 24-hours a day, seven-days a week, to offer guidance and advice to our pregnant women to ensure that the care provided is of the highest possible standard.”
The winners will be announced by the Journal on Monday, March 23.
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