A HEALTH watchdog has praised Stroud Maternity Unit after an inspection, awarding the facility a ‘good’ rating.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) gave the unit in Field Road, Stroud the second highest of four ratings.

CQC inspected all of the services overseen by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in March this year and, although an overall rating of ‘requires improvement’ – the third grade – was awarded, the maternity unit was given the ‘good’ mark.

The Trust’s divisional director for women and children, Paul Byrne, said: “Since we took over the unit in April 2011 we have worked closely with our staff, the community and the Stroud Hospital League of Friends to develop the unit into one that truly meets local needs.

“We have invested in the facilities and we are proud of the friendly, professional and safe atmosphere the unit provides.

“The CQC report reflects the high standard of personalised care we provide at the Stroud Maternity Unit and we would encourage local women to make full use of the facilities.”

CQC inspected 78 individual domains or services in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Cheltenham General and Stroud Maternity Unit.

A total of 51 were rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, making Gloucestershire the only county in the South West to receive the CQC’s highest rating.

For more details on maternity services in the county, see gloshospitals.nhs.uk/en/Wards-and-Departments/Maternity-Wards