Romford's maternity ward has been upgraded from a 'requires improvement' rating after a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The ward, part of Queen's Hospital, had previously been rated as requiring improvement in 2024 but has now been rated as 'good' overall.
Inspection findings
The CQC inspection, carried out in March 2026, found that the ward had made significant improvements in safety, effectiveness, and leadership. Inspectors noted that staff were now more responsive to patient needs and that there was a clear culture of learning from incidents.
According to the CQC report, the ward had implemented new safety protocols and improved staff training, leading to better outcomes for mothers and babies. The report highlighted that the ward had reduced the number of serious incidents by 40% compared to the previous year.
Staff and management praised
Nicky de la Rosa, the chief nurse at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: 'This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our maternity team. We are delighted that the CQC has recognised the improvements we have made.'
The ward's matron, Sarah Jones, added: 'We have worked tirelessly to improve the care we provide, and this rating reflects the commitment of every single member of the team.'
Impact on patients
The upgrade means that patients can have greater confidence in the care provided at the ward. Local MP Andrew Rosindell said: 'This is excellent news for Romford families. The maternity ward has turned a corner, and I am pleased that the CQC has acknowledged the progress.'
The trust said it would continue to monitor the ward closely to ensure that standards are maintained. The CQC will carry out further inspections in the future to confirm that the improvements are sustained.
