Sligo University Hospital welcomes positive results from the National Maternity Experience Survey 2025

Sligo University Hospital (SHU) welcomes the National Maternity Experience Survey 2025 findings, which reports on the positive maternity care experienced by women earlier this year. The hospital acknowledges the value of this feedback. The results of this survey are contributing to ongoing quality improvements in maternity care.

The 2025 report was published by the National Care Experience Programme this week, read the 2025 National Maternity Experience Reports

The survey invited women who gave birth in February and March 2025 to share their experiences of antenatal, labour, birth and postnatal care. In total 167 women who gave birth at SUH during this time were invited to take part and with 72 participants responding, this reflected a response rate of 43% compared to the national average of 42%.

Eight questions for participants at Sligo University Hospital scored significantly above the national average and no questions scored significantly below national average.

SUH scored joint highest nationally for the support for mothers in breastfeeding, a score of 9.0. SUH were in the top three of hospitals surveyed nationally for care in hospital after birth and were joint second for care at home and in the community after birth.

87% of participants who gave birth at SUH reported their maternity care as being good or a very good overall experience, placing the hospital above the national average of 83%.

Areas of good experience at SUH include respect for decisions about feeding, support from healthcare professionals with feeding the baby at home, and confidence and trust in healthcare professionals at home or in the community after birth.

Among the positive feedback received, one mother praised the service saying, “Everyone we spoke to at Sligo University Hospital and antenatal clinic was incredible. They cared about me and my baby, and every aspect of our health. Especially the mental health midwife, she was amazingly supportive and kind.”

While another mother said, “The delivery was well organised and I was informed of every step. Every detail was explained to me beforehand and while it was happening. I was very nervous before the birth in the theatre and all the staff were excellent in keeping me calm.”

Commenting on the results of the Maternity Survey, Juliana Henry, Sligo University Hospital Director of Midwifery said, “We are pleased to see such positive feedback on the maternity care delivered by our team at Sligo University Hospital. We also welcome the feedback for women and families regarding areas we need to improve in. The voice of the patient is central to our work and understanding what matters most to women and families helps us continue to strive for excellence. We are committed to listening, learning and enhancing the maternity experience for all who trust us with their care. I would like to thank all the maternity teams for the ongoing dedication and care which they demonstrate on a daily basis.”

Grainne McCann, Sligo University Hospital manager said, “Sligo University Hospital welcomes the feedback which provides valuable insight into women’s experiences and helps services continue to improve care across all stages of the maternity journey. Sligo University Hospital continues to work closely with HSE colleagues and service users to build on the positive feedback and continue its commitment to quality, compassionate and safe maternity care.”