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Showing results for tags 'Pregnancy'.
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News Article
The mesh saga — still a mess
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A call for action on the one-year anniversary since the Cumberlege report was published will be happening in Parliament today and is being led by MP Emma Hardy and Shadow Health Minister Alex Norris. Emma Hardy, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (AAPG) has said “Women deserve better than the Government’s refusal to implement the Baroness Cumberlege recommendations. The recommendations will not only make life better for those living with mesh complications, they will also improve patient safety for everyone in the future.” Read full story. Source: Medical Plastics News, 07 July 2021- Posted
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News Article
Women's health inquiry: anger and frustration at not enough progress being made
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Baroness Julia Cumberlege has said she is angry and frustrated at the lack of progress being made after she led a critical review into how the health service treats female patients. During her review, she spent 2 years speaking to 700 women and their families who experienced complications linked to two drug treatments and a medical device. The four UK governments are still considering her recommendations and say they will respond fully later this year. Read full story. Source: BBC News, 08 July 2021- Posted
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News Article
Culture of blame prevented staff admitting mistakes, report finds
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A new report into maternity safety has found due to a 'culture of blame' lessons haven't been learned. Jeremy Hunt, chair of the Health Committee has said 1,000 more babies a year would survive if the maternity service in England was as safe as Sweden's. Another expert report found a high incidence of brain injuries in maternity units. A new budget has been set out to help reduce the rate of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths and brain injuries by 2025. Read full story. Source: BBC News, 06 July 2021 -
News Article
1,000 babies die preventable death each year says a report by MPs
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A report by MPs has said 1,000 babies die every year as a result of lessons not being learned and blame being shifted despite a number of high profile cases involving maternity scandals. Jeremy Hunt who chairs the committee has said “Despite a number of high-profile incidents, improvements in maternity safety are still not happening quickly enough". The report also found that women from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to experience a higher rates of stillborn and neonatal deaths. The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment. Read full story. Source: The Guardian, 6 July 2021- Posted
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News Article
Criminal prosecution is being considered by the NHS care watchdog over the maternity scandal at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. Many babies have died in the maternity unit due to poor patient care and failings by staff. Evidence is now being examined as to whether the trust committed a criminal offence by not following the proper procedures and by not being honest with parents and families about the deaths of the babies. Read full story. Source: The Independent, 2 July 2021 -
News Article
NHS chief admits hospital was not a safe environment for mothers and babies
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A leaked message to NHS staff on Thursday revealed Nottingham University Hospitals Trust NHS chief Tracy Taylor, admitted that the maternity ward was not a safe environment for women and babies. In the message, it was revealed that 37 new members of staff have been hired in an attempt to help improve services. She has said: “Improving our maternity services is one of our top priorities and we know how tirelessly colleagues in maternity are working to make those improvements". Read full story. Source: The Independent, 2 July 2021 -
News Article
£2.45 million pledge to improve childbirth care
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
2.45 million has been pledged by the government to improve childbirth care which is due to happen this year. It has been announced that the funding is intended to help NHS maternity staff to improve the safety of the women and babies they care for. Maternity safety minister Nadine Dorries said "I am determined to make sure as many mums as possible can go home with healthy and happy babies in their arms". Read full story. Source: Department of Health and Social Care, 4 July 2021 -
News Article
Women forced to give birth alone have said 'the system has completely failed' them. A new report by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service found the Covid rules requiring pregnant women to attend scans and give birth alone has caused widespread distress and anxiety. The research also revealed many women having to attend their appointments online felt it did not meet their requirements at all. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, who released the findings, have said due to a lack of support and resources, the mental health of pregnant women and new mothers is at risk. Read full story. Source: The Independent, 01 July 2021 -
News Article
Pregnant women denied mental health help
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Analysis from leading psychiatrists found from 2020-2021 out of 47,000 women, only 3,1261 were able to get help from perinatal services. Whilst it was deemed the pandemic was not the main reason women were being denied access, it was established that due to lack of investment and funding, services were unable to provide support when needed. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for funding in the next spending review. Read full story. Source: The Guardian, 1 July 2021- Posted
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News Article
Ethnic minorities found at higher maternity risks
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
The charity Birthright have launched an inquiry into why women from ethnic minority backgrounds are experiencing higher maternity risks. Evidence in the inquiry will be gathered from parents, anti-racist campaigners, midwives and obstetricians. The NHS has said it is working on a new strategy to address inequalities, maternity and neonatal care. Read full story. Source: BBC News, 23 June 2021 -
News Article
£52 million investment to fast track online maternity records
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
England's Chief Nurse has announced every pregnant woman will be able to access their maternity records from their smart phone. The move has been made so that pregnant women will be able to have more control over their pregnancy and will be able to see all the decisions and information made via a smart phone. GPs and health professionals will also be able to access this information, it is hoped that by doing so, it will mean pregnant women will no longer have to repeat information to different clinicians they see whilst pregnant, which may also help improve safety. Read full story Source: NHS England, 17 June 2021 -
News Article
Two more NHS maternity units downgraded
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Two more NHS maternity units have been downgraded by the care watchdog amid safety concerns. The services at Colchester Hospital and Ipswich Hospital were downgraded from good, to 'requires improvement', finding staff shortages at both hospitals. Moreover, it was also found handovers were not sufficient meaning staff were not sharing the proper information about the women and babies. Among the concerns and issues raised, there were problems with team-working, properly recording patient information, and inefficient information systems. Read full story Source: The Independent, 16 June 2021- Posted
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Content Article
Group B Strep: Poppy's story
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Maternity
Group B Streptococcus (Group B Strep, Strep B, Beta Strep, or GBS) is a type of bacteria which lives in the intestines, rectum and vagina of around 2-4 in every 10 women in the UK (20-40%). Most women carrying GBS will have no symptoms and although it is not harmful to pregnant women, it can affect babies around the time of birth. Read Poppy's story. -
Content Article
What is group B Strep?
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Maternity
Group B Streptococcus (GBS, group B Strep or Strep B) is a type of bacteria which lives in the intestines, rectum, or vagina of 2 to 4 in every ten women in the UK (20 to 40%). This is often referred to as ‘carrying’ or being ‘colonised with’ group B Strep. Most women carrying GBS will have no symptoms. Carrying GBS is not harmful to you, but there is a small chance it can affect your baby around the time of birth. GBS can occasionally cause serious infection in young babies and, very rarely, in babies before they are born. Carrying GBS can also sometimes lead to serious infections for pregnant women, though this is also rare. Find out more about Group B Strep in pregnancy on the Group B Strep Support website or by watching the video via the link below.- Posted
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News Article
New clinics set up for pregnant women and new mums with pelvic health issues
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
New NHS pelvic health clinics have been set up to help and support thousands of pregnant women and new mothers who are experiencing incontinence and other issues related to the pelvic floor. Women receiving care at 14 new pilot sites will be treated throughout their pregnancy. Among the treatment, women will learn how to perform pelvic floor exercises with a physiotherapist as well as receive advice on diet with continued support and monitoring throughout. Read full story. Source: NHS England, 13 June 2021 -
Content Article
Sodium Valproate: The Fetal Valproate Syndrome Tragedy
Patient-Safety-Learning posted an article in Women's health
In this article, Sodium Valproate: The Fetal Valproate Syndrome Tragedy, Sharon Hartles, member of the Open University’s Harm and Evidence Research Collaborative, reflects upon the use of Sodium Valporate, marketed as Epilim, to treat patients at risk of epilepsy and the subsequent harms in fetal development and birth defects that arose from its use.- Posted
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News Article
COVID-19 saw spike in new mothers seeking help with mental health
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Mental health consultations among new mothers were 30% higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than before it, particularly during the first three months after birth, suggests Canadian research. Study authors noted that postpartum mental illness, including postnatal depression, usually affected as many as one in five mothers and could have long-term effects on children and families if it becomes chronic. They looked at mental health consultations by 137,609 people in Ontario during the postpartum period – from date of birth to 365 days later – from March to November 2020. They found mental health visits to both primary care and psychiatrists were higher than before the pandemic, especially among those with anxiety, depression, and alcohol or substance use disorders. Read full story Source: The Nursing Times, 7 June 2021- Posted
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Content Article
The aim of this study from Gurol-Urganci et al. was to determine the association between COVID-19 infection at the time of birth and maternal and perinatal outcomes. Covid infection at the time of birth is associated with higher rates of fetal death, preterm birth, preeclampsia and emergency Caesarean delivery. There were no additional adverse neonatal outcomes, other than those related to preterm delivery. Pregnant women should be counseled regarding risks of covid infection and should be considered a priority for vaccination. -
News Article
Covid: Stillbirth and prematurity risks may be higher
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A large UK study suggests having coronavirus around the time of birth may increase the chance of stillbirths and premature births - although the overall risks remain low. Scientists say while most pregnancies are not affected, their findings should encourage pregnant women to have jabs as soon as they are eligible. The majority are offered vaccines when they are rolled out to their age group. The study appears in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The research, led by the National Maternity and Perinatal Audit, looked at data involving more than 340,000 women who gave birth in England between the end of May 2020 and January 2021. Researchers say a higher risk of stillbirth and prematurity, as well as a greater chance of having a Caesarean section, remained even once factors such as the mother's age, ethnicity, socio-economic background and common health conditions were taken into account. Babies born to women who tested positive were more likely to need special neonatal intensive care because they were born early and needed more support - rather than being infected with coronavirus itself. Professor Asma Khalil, co-author of the paper, said it was important for women and healthcare workers to be aware of the potential risks. Read full story Source: BBC News, 21 May 2021 -
Content Article
Leaflet on reduced fetal movement
PatientSafetyLearning Team posted an article in Maternity
This leaflet has been developed by Tommy’s and NHS England to help pregnant people understand more about their baby's movements, why it is important and when to seek advice. The leaflet contains clear messaging on reduced fetal movements consistent with national guidelines.- Posted
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News Article
UK women forced to wear face masks during labour, charity finds
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Nearly one in five pregnant women in the UK were forced to wear a face covering during labour, according to research by a charity, despite official health guidance saying they should not be asked to do so. Women described feeling unable to breathe, having panic attacks or even being sick during labour because they were made to wear a face covering. The research was carried out by the charity Pregnant Then Screwed, who surveyed 936 women who gave birth during December. It found that 160 of those who went into labour were made to wear a face covering. This goes against current joint UK guidance, published in July 2020 by the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The guidance says that women should not be asked to wear a face covering of any kind during natural labour or during caesarean births because of the risk of harm and complications. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 14 May 2021 -
Content Article
The '3 P’s in a Pod” poster is a reminder for anyone seeing pregnant women about ‘red flags’ and when to ask for help. Download online version here. -
News Article
Pregnant women struggling to get Covid jab says MP
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Pregnant women are struggling to get the coronavirus vaccine because clinics are unable to guarantee they will have the right type of jab available, Labour MP Stella Creasy has said. The Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna jabs are preferable for pregnant women because there is more safety data available. But the online booking system in England does not allow them to specify which vaccine they require. Pregnant women are advised to speak to their GP instead of booking online. But Ms Creasy, 44, said GPs do not always know when local vaccination centres will have specific types of the jab available. The MP for Walthamstow, who is currently pregnant with her second child, said she had received five invitations to be vaccinated but she could not take them up because there is no system to specify she needs the Pfizer or Moderna jab. "I don't think it's been made enough of a priority because there's a presumption it will become more of a priority as they move through the age groups, which is a misreading of the data about pregnancy," she told the BBC. Read full story Source: BBC News, 7 May 2021- Posted
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News Article
Covid: Pregnant women in Wales 'still go it alone'
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Pregnant women are facing a postcode lottery over whether they can bring a partner to maternity appointments. Health boards were given flexibility in November to allow pregnant woman in low Covid rate areas to take their partners to maternity appointments. But many parts of Wales with the lowest rates are still forcing pregnant women to attend some appointments alone. There are calls, as lockdown eases, for partners Wales-wide to be allowed to all appointments and during labour. Emma Fear, 30, was not able to take her partner with her to hospital when she experienced bleeding during pregnancy in June last year and was told, alone, that she was losing her baby. She then had to repeat the news to her partner, who was waiting outside in the car. "At the time, he could have come and sat outside a pub with me, but he couldn't come with me when I'd had severe bleeding and knew I had probably lost my baby." Read full story Source: BBC News, 2 May 2021 -
Content Article
The Lancet: Miscarriage matters (26 April 2021)
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Maternity
Miscarriage is common, affecting one in ten women in their lifetime, with an estimated 23 million miscarriages globally. Despite this, the impact and consequences of miscarriage are underestimated, resulting in an attitude of acceptance of miscarriage and system of care which is currently fragmented and can be of poor quality. A new series of three papers published in The Lancet reviews this evidence on miscarriage and challenges many misconceptions. The authors, Siobhan Quenby, Arri Coomarasamy, and colleagues, call for a complete rethink of the narrative around miscarriage and a comprehensive overhaul of medical care and advice offered to women who have miscarriages.