BASILDON Hospital’s “stretched to breaking point” maternity unit has been given until Monday to improve staffing levels.

Health watchdog the Care Quality Commission is understood to have written to the hospital with an “urgent” deadline to improve patient safety after an unannounced visit following the death of a mum in childbirth.

The seven-page document, sent by the commission on October 7, puts the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basildon Hospital, on notice that it has to “implement an effective governance system”, among other measures.

The Echo has repeatedly asked what sanctions could be imposed, but the commission has refused to elaborate.

However, the watchdog said it was using its powers under the Health and Social Care Act to impose conditions on the trust’s registration.

The commission - which branded the unit inadequate earlier this year - made an unannounced visit to the unit in September to check its recommendations had been implemented, but it still had “ongoing concerns”.

The commission said it was now taking action to guarantee patient safety but wouldn’t give more details.

Stephanie Prior, head of medical negligence at law firm Osbornes Law, which represents clients who allege they suffered negligence at the unit, said: “This deadline for making the maternity unit safe is long overdue.

“Staff at the unit have been stretched to breaking point yet nothing appeared to change despite the obvious chronic problems.”

Clare Panniker, chief executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are awaiting a final report from the CQC, but have taken action following its initial feedback to make our services better for women, and will continue to do so. We have a robust improvement plan in place, and continue to work closely with the Care Quality Commission and our regulators as we make the necessary changes to the service and are committed to improving the quality of maternity care for our local community.”

Following a visit in June, the commission said six babies were born in a poor condition and it pointed to a lack of learning and leadership.

It followed the death of mum Gabriela Pintilie’s in February 2019. She died after losing 3,000ml of blood.