Maternity services at Croydon University Hospital are among the worst in the country but are improving, according to a new report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust was named as one of seven worst-performing trusts in the country, based on the results of a survey completed by new mothers.

The women who all gave birth in February, were questioned about different aspects of their care and treatment.

Based on their response, each NHS trust was given a score out of 10, with the higher the score the better.

Responses were received from 96 people and each trust also received a rating of 'Better', 'About the same' or 'Worse'. Croydon Health Services NHS Trust was scored eight out of ten for labour and birth, eight out of ten for staff and seven out of ten for care in hospital after the birth.

Despite the scores the Trust were rated 'worse' in all three areas- meaning they did not perform as well in those areas as other trusts participating in the survey.

The Trust's lowest score was 6.1 out of ten for mums "feeling their stay in hospital after the birth was the right amount of time". But it scored better than average for partner involvement securing 9.9 out of ten.

Since the survey was conducted, the hospital's maternity unit has undergone major refurbishment and improvements.

The department was praised following a recent inspection of the trust by the CQC, who described maternity services as "caring, safe and well-led" in their report.

Zoe Packman, director of nursing, midwifery said: "This latest survey was done in February and it is disappointing that standards back then, were not at the improved level they are now.

"Since then we have been recruiting additional midwives and now have one for every 28 births, which is the recommended gold standard. We have also made £620,000 of improvements to the maternity unit.

"Choice on antenatal check-ups and the involvement of partners in labour and birth are areas where the survey shows we are performing well.

"It also highlights where more can be done and we will continue to involve patients and staff to ensure professional and excellent care for every mother."