MATERNITY services at one of the country's busiest trusts have been given a glowing report after a two-day inspection.

Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRT) received an overall safety score of 44 out of 50 for it's maternity units, one of which is based at King George Hospital in Ilford.

Assessors from the NHS Litigation Authority gave the trust a Level 2 rating.

Under the inspection, services are awarded marks out of ten in five areas: BHRT received ten for high risk care, nine for post-natal and newborn care, nine for organisation, eight for clinical care, and eight for communications.

The assessors singled out the score of eight in clinical care for particular praise. They said: “A very excellent score. This category can be very tough. There was particularly good care of women in labour.”

Lead assessor Lynne Saunders said: “We have looked at a huge amount of evidence and have decided that the trust is compliant at Level 2.

“This is no mean feat, particularly for a large maternity service in a complex area. 44 out of 50 is an excellent score and the trust is to be congratulated.”

Divisional director for women and children, Carol Drummond, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been awarded Level 2. Our staff work so hard to ensure that women have the best possible experience here, and to have that endorsed by national assessors is very gratifying.”

Almost 10,000 babies are delivered at King George and Queen's Hospital in Romford every year.