The CQC Maternity Survey 2024, published on 19th December, highlights both improvements and challenges in maternity care across England. While some areas show progress, concerns remain around staff availability, confidence and trust, and communication.
Key Findings:
Staff Availability:
A five-year decline in women feeling they could always get help from staff during labour, dropping from 72% in 2019 to 64% in 2024. Only 60% felt they saw or spoke to a midwife as much as they wanted after birth, down from 63% in 2023.
“There has been a five-year downward trend in the number of people reporting that they were ‘always’ able to get help from staff during labour and birth (64% in 2024 and 72% in 2019).”
Confidence and Trust:
Trust in antenatal care dropped from 71% in 2023 to 70% in 2024. During labour, 77% had confidence (down from 78%), while postnatal trust fell from 72% to 69%.
“Fewer people said they ‘definitely’ had confidence and trust in the staff providing their antenatal care (70% in 2024 compared with 71% in 2023).”
Communication:
25% of respondents felt they didn’t have the chance to ask questions after birth. Just 58% said they were always given necessary information in hospital after birth, down from 60% in 2023.
“A quarter (25%) of respondents felt they did not have the opportunity to ask questions after their baby was born.”
Related Conference: Recognising & Responding to Maternal Deterioration: Implementing MEWS
Date: Wednesday 30th April 2025 | Virtual, Online
This CPD-certified conference will offer in-depth discussions on the latest CQC findings and provide practical insights on improving communication, trust, and staff support in maternity services. It is an essential event for professionals working to enhance the maternity care experience for all women.
For more information, access the full CQC Maternity Survey 2024 here.
