Women who took part in a national survey about maternity services voiced their satisfaction with care at Airedale Hospital.

Anyone over 16 who gave birth in February was invited to take part in the survey, organised by the Care Quality Commission.

Nationally, over 23,000 women participated in the initiative, which involved 137 NHS acute trusts.

In two areas, Airedale was among the best performers – women said they were given the help they needed if they contacted a midwife and they had confidence and trust in the midwives they saw at home after leaving hospital.

Negative comments related to poor communication with patients, lack of continuity of care and partners or families not being allowed to stay in hospital.

Julie Hinchliffe, senior matron for midwifery at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are really pleased that generally women are very satisfied with the care they receive from our maternity services.

“However, we are certainly not complacent and will be considering all the comments made very carefully in an effort to improve our services.

“Since these comments were made at the beginning of the year, there has been a complete refurbishment of our labour ward and we have opened our new Airedale Birthing Centre, which provides women with a nicer, more homely environment.

“We now have more women who are being discharged earlier.

“In the New Year, we are hoping to have the facilities so that more partners can stay overnight and a greater number of single rooms.”

The results will be discussed by the hospital’s clinical governance team, which will draw up an action plan to deal with any issues raised.

To view the full survey findings, visit cqc.org.uk/PatientSurveyMaternity2013.