A HAMPSHIRE hospital where two new mums died from the same infection shortly after giving birth on the same day has some of the lowest staffing levels in the country, according to a national review of maternity services published today.

The Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester scored the lowest score possible for its staffing levels in the biggest study of NHS maternity services ever compiled by health watchdog, the Healthcare Commission.

Publication of their figures comes just over a month after Amy Kimmance, 39, and Jasmine Pickett, 29, both died from complications caused by the same infection - called group A streptococcus.

Mrs Kimmance, the head of maths at St Swithun's in Winchester, developed fatal toxic shock syndrome while Mrs Pickett, also a teacher, died from a sudden onset of pneumonia.

Those running the ongoing investigation have said there is "no significant link" between the two women's deaths which they have said appeared to be two "separate" and "tragic incidents" unrelated to the clinical care received at the hospital.

Overall the Healthcare Commission described the maternity unit as fair performing' - the third lowest of four possible ratings.

However, the hospital did achieve the highest score possible for the choice and continuity for antenatal care.

The hospital's head of midwifery Janie Pearman said that staffing levels had improved since the figures were compiled from 2006 and 2007 and more staff are being recruited.

The unit has also just launched its own in-house survey to be reviewed every three months that will help staff make continuous improvements.

Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Princess Anne Hospital, was described as better performing' - the second highest grading - for its maternity service. It scored the highest mark for its staffing levels but the lowest mark for the availability of recommended screening procedures.

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs St Mary's in Portsmouth, was described as fair performing' while the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust achieved the highest rating of best performing.' Overall the review of maternity services in England assessed 26 per cent of organisations as best performing, 31 per cent as better performing, 22 per cent as fair performing and 21 per cent as least well performing