Pregnant women who develop life threatening conditions are to receive more rapid assessment and treatment thanks to new measures being introduced in health boards across Wales.
Healthcare teams will be introducing more timely treatments including swift recognition of symptoms, daily assessment to ensure there is no deterioration in the woman’s condition and that there is quicker access to specialist care when needed.
There will also be a specific focus on preventing the development of potentially life threatening blood clots during and after pregnancy.
The work to improve maternity services was unveiled today (March 3, 2011) by 1000 Lives plus, the national programme which seeks to improve the quality of patient care by reducing avoidable harm, waste and variation across NHS Wales.
Dr Jean White, Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, said, “the new measures announced today as part of 1000 Lives plus are a key strand to overall Welsh Assembly Government plans to improve maternity services in Wales.
“the months before, and the time immediately after the birth, are crucial to the health of the mother and child so it’s vital that we provide the most effective and efficient care possible.
“the health and happiness of future generations can be enhanced by the provision of world class maternity services and we will be supporting 1000 Lives plus in this crucial area of work.
“NHS staff save lives every day and these new ways of working will help them save more.”
Recent research has shown that sepsis is the leading cause of maternal death in the UK. Sepsis is a severe infection which affects the bloodstream and other organs, which can be potentially fatal if not recognised and treated promptly.
Venous thromboembolism (a blood clot in a deep vein) is also a leading cause for maternal deaths with risks, both during pregnancy and post-natally. It is ten times more common in pregnant women than non-pregnant women.
Philip Banfield, Consultant Obstetrician at Glan Clwyd Hospital and clinical lead for the work said, “For every clinical practitioner involved in maternity care, the safety and wellbeing of women and babies is of paramount importance. the aim is to achieve the best outcomes and satisfaction with the service, with minimal intervention, in the most appropriate setting, and with ready access to support when things do not go according to plan.”
Healthcare teams will be introducing four new care bundles to reduce the risk of problems developing and increase the speed with which deteriorating patients are identified and treated.
The care bundles, which are a group of evidence-based interventions that result in better outcomes for patients when they are implemented together, will focus on ensuring assessments are carried out on admission to hospital and during the hospital stay to ensure any deterioration is immediately responded to.
The bundles will also look at clearer communication between staff and appropriate treatment for severe sepsis within one hour of diagnosis.
The work is supported by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Welsh Executive Committee and the Royal College of Midwives. Helen Rogers, the Royal College of Midwives Director for Wales, said, “a rapid response from midwives and the maternity team is vital when complications occur, and this initiative will enable women to get appropriate treatment more quickly.
"It will help to ensure that we have high quality and safe maternity services for all women in Wales.”