Overcrowding, poor communication and ineffective pain relief were among the main negative points identified by mothers who gave birth at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street last year.

According to the hospital's 2012 clinical report, just published, all women who deliver at the hospital are given a service evaluation form following delivery so that the hospital can get feedback, positive and negative, about care.

According to the report, the most common negative issues raised by mothers at Holles Street are increased hospital activity levels; communication - no explanations given or medical terms not explained; pain relief being ineffective or delayed; overcrowding on wards post-delivery, and length of induction of labour.

Positive points made by mothers about their care at Holles Street were one-to-one care; good communication, pain relief-24-hour epidural service; the provision of antenatal classes; personal attention'; 'skin to skin' contact with the baby following delivery, and caring staff.

The report says initial adverse comments may be dealt with while women are still in the hospital, when concerns can be clarified at that time.

Staff are encouraged to read the forms as they can provide valuable feedback on improving care, the hospital says.

A tick box is provided at the end of the form if women wish to have further consultations about issues with their care.

In these cases, a phone call is made by the manager of delivery and some points can be dealt with on the phone.

The report says a follow-up meeting can be arranged for those who want a more detailed discussion about problems raised.

In 2012, 7,036 feedback forms were distributed at Holles Street, with 1,537 completed forms received by the hospital.