Survey Reveals Declining Confidence in NHS Maternity Care

A national survey highlights a five-year drop in patient satisfaction, despite improvements in mental health support.

The Care Quality Commission surveyed nearly 19,000 NHS maternity patients in England, revealing a five-year decline in confidence and satisfaction with care.
Only 64% of respondents in 2024 reported always receiving help from staff during labor and birth, down from 72% in 2019.
Postnatal care satisfaction also fell, with just 60% saying they saw or spoke to a midwife as much as they wanted after birth, compared to 63% in 2023.
Mental health support showed slight improvement, with 76% of patients being asked about their mental health during antenatal care, up from 75% in 2023.
NHS leaders emphasized the need for further investment and action to address disparities in maternity care quality and improve patient experiences.