Kingston Hospital achieves caesarian target after renegotiating key performance indicator

A report from the chief executive to the April board said: “Although the caesarean section rate has fluctuated, the rate has been as low as 25.9 per cent (February 2012).

“The division [of women and child health] is pleased that the renegotiated key performance indicator for caesarean sections has increased the permitted percentage to 28 per cent and, in the light of NICE guidance that has impacted on women’s perspective regarding choice of operative delivery, there will not be a financial penalty associated with the caesarean section rate.”

The report added that the maternity unit had delivered 5,924 babies in the year 2011-12 of whom 5,823 were NHS deliveries.