BABIES and mums-to-be are in safe hands in the county's hospitals, according to Government inspectors.

Maternity services at Worcestershire Royal, Alexandra and Kidderminster hospitals are among the first in the country to receive official recognition for high standards of patient safety and quality of care.

All units have been awarded the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) Level One accreditation following a visit by inspectors in April.

The inspectors checked data and interviewed staff on topics including learning from experience, induction and training, management of health records, communication with patients and between staff, staffing levels and management of clinical risk.

Maternity

This is the first year that maternity services have been separately assessed by CNST inspectors.

They used to be included in general assessments of trusts.

Senior midwife Elaine Newell said the achievement was a tribute to all the staff in their maternity units.

"The demanding nature of the assessment is reflected by the number of trusts which have failed to reach the required standard," she said.

"It reflects our efforts to produce a high quality patient-centred service."

The accreditation also entitles the trust to a reduction in premiums on insurance against legal claims - releasing money that can be invested in further improvements to patient services.