The Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) gave maternity care the stamp of approval in its latest report.

It said the high standard of services could be linked to the fact units tend to involve mothers-to-be in their treatment and to act on their input.

But CHI says some trusts do not live up to these standards, with problems including a severe shortage of midwives and obstetricians.

Hospitals that were praised Kings Lynn and Wisbech Hospitals NHS Trust - midwife-led antenatal care South Durham NHS Trust - on-call midwife service South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust - daily team meetings Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust - involves the public in planning services

In addition, CHI is due to publish a report on Monday into maternity services at Ashford and St Peters Hospital in Surrey.

Concerns were raised after the death of a baby in the maternity unit in May 2002 which is currently the subject of a police investigation.

Staff shortages

Liz Fradd, director of nursing at CHI, said: "In many of the hospitals, the maternity services are offering examples of good practice that the rest of the trust, and the NHS as a whole, should follow especially in areas such as patient involvement and the management of risk.

Many good things have already been done, but more needs to happen Department of Health spokeswoman

"However there is no room for complacency.

"Shortages of midwives, obstetricians and sometimes radiologists can jeopardise the quality of care for mothers and new babies.

"Maternity units across the country can learn from the best ideas of others, in delivering these high profile and vitally important services."

Mary Newburn of the National Childbirth Trust, said: "During the last decade, there have been considerable steps to increase user involvement and provide more woman centred maternity care, due in no small part to hospital managers, midwives and doctors listening to the views of mothers, whether expressed directly or through the NCT."

Children's care

A Department of Health spokeswoman, said: "This report shows exactly why we need to keep up the flow of investment and the pace of reform in the NHS.

"Many good things have already been done, but more needs to happen."

She said there was a commitment to increasing the number of midwives and obstetrics and gynaecology consultants in the NHS.

Maternity services would also be covered by the children's National Service Framework, she said.