A survey by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of more than 25,500 users of NHS maternity services has indicated improved care in some areas.

The study reviewed care given during pregnancy, birth, and postnatal stages for women who gave birth in February 2023.

80 per cent of people surveyed felt concerns raised in labour and birth were taken seriously by staff, up from 77 per cent in 2022.

However, 63 per cent of those surveyed claimed they saw or spoke to a midwife as much as they wanted after birth - down from 73 per cent in 2018.

CQC's deputy chief executive, Kate Terroni, said: “It is vital that we listen to those who use and work in maternity services to understand what makes a good experience and what needs to improve."

The full results for England are available on the CQC’s website at www.cqc.org.uk/maternitysurvey.