A second Norfolk hospital in the space of a week has been lauded for improvements to its maternity services after long-standing struggles.

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission have boosted the maternity rating of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn to 'good' following an inspection last autumn.

During the visit, inspectors said they saw "significant improvement in the culture of the service", which previously had the second lowest rating available.

The department was praised for providing new families with "positive experiences" 

However, the department was told it still needs to take some action to improve the safety of women and children under its care.

The report reads: "The service had an open culture where people could raise concerns without fear and be listened to."

The inspectors did, however, raise concerns that not all staff on the ward were up-to-date with training and that "optimum staffing was not always available". 

Esther Dorken, head of midwifery at the QEH, said: "We are absolutely delighted the CQC inspectors found such a significant change in the culture of our service and the positive changes that make such a difference to the compassionate care our patients receive.

"I am incredibly proud of the team here who have worked exceptionally hard to elevate standards.

"We have already implemented changes to ensure areas where we performed less well to attain the standards staff and patients should expect without exception."

The inspection, which was carried out in October, was part of a national drive by CQC inspectors to provide a more up-to-date view of the quality of maternity care across the country.

It comes a week after the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital also saw its maternity rating boosted by care watchdogs.

Both hospitals continue to be rated as requiring improvements overall, but the upgrading of maternity service has been welcomed by local NHS bosses.