DESPITE a 100 per cent satisfaction rate in a recent survey, the maternity department at Winchester's Royal Hampshire County Hospital is asking more women more questions about its services.

A wide-ranging questionnaire was sent to new mums earlier this year.

There were 68 responses from women who declared that they were either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the service as a whole.

The questions asked for feedback on all aspects of the maternity service, including opinions on whether the right information was provided and what women thought about their surroundings.

As well as questions and answers there was room to make comments about any aspect of the service. Responses included "My choices and preferences were respected at all times, supported by information and advice from the midwife" and "I could ask for anything, they responded to my wishes and kept me calm when I started to panic".

Janie Pearman, head of midwifery, said: "We are thrilled with the feedback - it has been very upbeat overall and much better than the national inpatient survey which is now two years out of date.

"It is good to know that extra staffing and an increased focus on cleanliness are paying off."

She added: "Our 2008 survey results are mostly very positive, with just a few areas for improvement, such as staff attitudes and help with breast feeding.

"We have immediately taken action in these areas and so the point of our new and shorter 'snapshot' surveys is to check we are on the right track."

Instead of being canvassed about all aspects of the maternity service, women will be asked to answer questions at particular stages so that the information is immediate and not reflective.

There will be a very short survey for women about 10 weeks before their due date, a quick survey for mothers once they are in the post-labour ward and a few questions when women bring their new babies back in for a routine hearing test.

As with the general overview survey the Trust did earlier this year, there is space to make any additional comments.

In addition, Janie is interested in hearing about the experiences of patients directly, especially where the Trust can build on good practice or make improvements.

Janie can be contacted on 01962 825151 or via email janie.pearman@wehct.nhs.uk Chief Executive Martin Wakeley added: "The Trust will be stepping up its surveys of all its patients in the next 12 months.

"Feedback plays an invaluable role in making sure we really do put patients at the heart of our business."