Oxford University Hospitals Neonatal Services rated ‘Good’ by the CQC

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has today published a report following an inspection of Neonatal Services run by Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, which was carried out in January 2026.

The CQC has rated OUH Neonatal Services as ‘Good’ after inspecting them independently of Maternity or Children’s Services for the first time.

Following January’s inspection, CQC has rated Neonatal Services as ‘Good’ across all five domains of Safe, Caring, Effective, Responsive, and Well-led.

Simon Crowther, Interim Chief Executive Officer, said:

“I would like to thank all colleagues across Neonatal Services at OUH for their contribution to this significant achievement which reflects their dedication to the babies and families in their care.

“The inspection did find some areas for improvement, and we will be submitting a plan to the CQC showing the actions which we are taking in response to these concerns.”

Inspectors found staff were providing safe and compassionate care to families during a vulnerable and stressful time for them.

They praised a family-centred approach which ensured that families were actively involved in care planning and decision-making for their babies, for example staff routinely included families in ward rounds to help improve their understanding of their baby’s condition and proposed treatments.

Inspectors also recognised the compassion of staff, which they said was particularly evident where a baby was identified as having life-limiting conditions.

They saw staff involve families in sensitive discussions about treatment decisions and demonstrate kindness and respect in these situations, ensuring care was individualised and aligned with family wishes.

The CQC identified areas where further improvement is needed relating to the environment on the High Dependency Unit, and management of the records systems.

Simon Crowther said: “We take these findings seriously and have already begun work to address them. We are committed to ensuring that the physical environment supports the compassionate and supportive care which staff provide to babies and families, and that staff are able to access records when they need them.”