The Mid-Staffordshire survey. Getting consumers' views of maternity services

In 1991 Mid-Staffordshire Health Authority surveyed a sample of 639 women living in the district who had given birth approximately seven to eight weeks previously. The response rate was 80%. Approximately three-quarters of women were satisfied with the care they had received from the maternity services, but the responses highlighted several areas for improvement. Main criticisms were lack of information, attitudes of some staff, and of staff having too little time to talk to them. Fewer women than expected were breast feeding, both in hospital and at home, and women reported having problems and wanting more help than they received.