PUBLIC health assessors have praised the good delivery of Bradford’s maternity screening service.

The antenatal and newborn service screens mothers and their babies for conditions such as Down’s syndrome, as well as metabolic and genetic disorders.

Five assessors from Public Health England’s National Quality Assurance Programme spent one day at the hospital which included interviewing heads of midwifery and obstetric ultrasound, consultants, antenatal screening co-ordinators, hearing screeners and laboratory staff. Local Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) also had input.

Vicky Jones, Antenatal Screening Co-ordinator, said: “The aim of quality assurance in NHS screening programmes is to confirm that minimum standards are being maintained and that continuous improvement is being promoted in antenatal and newborn screening.

"It was also important to demonstrate that all women and babies were getting access to a consistent and high quality screening service, which is something we strive to provide on a daily basis here in Bradford."

Areas of good practice included robust standard operating procedures, a good electronic systems and referrals process and the efficient and timely inputting of results.

The inspectors particularly commended the ‘very professional collaborative team work’ across all disciplines.

Julie Walker , Head of Midwifery added: “I am delighted with the assessment’s outcome and very proud of the staff involved in maternity’s first national, external screening inspection. I’d like to pay tribute to all the staff for their commitment in providing our women and babies with a safe and high quality service.”