14 July 2009
Newborn babies and pregnant mothers treated at Epsom and St Helier hospitals are receiving some of the best care in the country, according to a national report.
The latest survey from CMACE (Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries) shows that the mortality (death) rate for neonatal children (those aged less than a month) and the number of stillbirths at the Trust is significantly lower than the national average.
Dr Rim El-Rifai, the clinical director for women and children’s services said: "We are very pleased with the results of the CMACE survey. They reflect the hard work and dedication of each and every member of staff in the women and children’s department.
"Life at this early stage can be very delicate, and this survey shows our readiness to manage with difficult and distressing times.
"Whilst the results are really pleasing, we can never become complacent about mortality rates in our hospitals. That’s why our aim now is to keep up the good work and keep the neonatal and perinatal mortality rates on the downwards trend."
The report announced a number of positive findings, as hospitals across the country saw a reduction in the number of stillbirths. The number fell from 5.7 stillborn babies per 1,000 births in 2002 to 5.2 in 2007. For Epsom and St Helier hospitals the figure is 3.5 per 1,000 births.
The neonatal departments at both hospitals were also commended in the report, as the mortality rate for neonatal babies was very low, and significantly better than other Trust's of a similar size. Nationally, the average number of neonatal deaths per 1,000 births was 3.3, while the figure for Epsom and St Helier hospitals was 0.8 per 1,000 births.
