This investigation into Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust was triggered by the lack of public confidence in the maternity unit at New Cross Hospital, four serious incidents that happened there and concern that babies might be more at risk at the hospital.

We found that maternity services were unsatisfactory at the time of these serious incidents. Care was poor; there were too few staff; management was weak; there were poor working relationships between consultants and between midwives and consultants; and some equipment was poorly chosen and used.

At the time of the investigation, we found that sufficient changes had been made to ensure the safety of mothers and babies in the unit. However, we did identify further actions that needed to be taken to further reduce risks to mothers and babies.

More information

Further information on the investigation is available in the publications listed below:

• Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust
• Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust
• The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust action plan following the investigation of Wolverhampton’s Maternity Services by the Healthcare Commission
• The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust action plan following the investigation of Wolverhampton’s Maternity Services by the Healthcare Commission
• Healthcare Commission investigation into maternity services provided by the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust at New Cross Hospital: DH action plan