'SIGNIFICANT' staff shortages in maternity units and a catalogue of safety breaches, including a faulty lift, have been slammed by a health watchdog after its inspectors visited hospitals run by the Mid and South Essex Hospital Trust, including Basildon Hospital.

In July and August the Care Quality Commission inspected Basildon and the region's other two major hospitals, Southend and Broomfield which also serve a significant number of Thurrock-based residents for both in and out-patient treatments.

The commission's inspection mirrors concern expressed by Thurrock doctors last week.

A full report is yet to be sent to the Mid and South Essex Hospital Trust but a summary of the watchdog's findings in maternity units across the trust revealed low staffing levels was impacting the service.

However, in response hospital bosses say 40 additional midwives have recently been recruited.

The Trust was formed in on 1 April last year and it was a controversial move by the NHS, opposed by a number of ccouncillors and residents' groups, particularly in Southend where the borough council fought a battle against its creation.

And feelings there have not ease in the intervening 18 months and Southend's deputy leader, Cllr Ron Woodley has raised concerns that the merger of the three hospitals in recent years is having a negative impact with no "focal point of management".

The summary of the inspection said: "Across all clinical areas it was clear that there were significant midwifery staffing concerns which were impacting on the service and staff.

"Where possible, this was mitigated using non-clinical staff and flexible working by senior leads.

"Midwives were frustrated by the staffing shortages and felt they were not being heard by ward managers."

Basildon Hospital's maternity unit was rated inadequate last year due to serious concerns surrounding leadership and staffing.

Improvements were called for following an investigation after a string of incidents – including one where Thurrock mum Gabriela Pintilie bled to death in childbirth.

During this year's inspections, a faulty lift was found in Southend's urgent and emergency care unit requiring a 20 minute journey for patients being transferred to intensive care.

A spokesman for the trust insisted the hospital was waiting for the delivery of parts to fix it.

Mr Woodley said: "The Government said it would increase money to the NHS but they need to look at the whole management structure. To have one chief executive running three hospitals is unworkable and doesn't give a focal point of management."

A Trust spokesman said: "We are really pleased to say we have around 40 midwives who have joined the Trust this week, which will begin to help fill the gaps in midwifery rotas across our sites."

Yesterday (Monday, 27 September) Thurrock Nub News told the horrific story of a Corringham grandmother who lost a leg after delays in diagnosis and an alleged lack of care at Basildon Hospital.