Community

Community & Homebirth updates

 Lone worker app – We will shortly be launching a new application ‘StaySafe’ for all community midwives. This app is loaded directly onto work phones and will provide added security to all our lone workers. This app is for your safety when working in the community setting, so when the training information is sent to you, please ensure you watch the demonstration and make yourself aware of this app and all its functions.

 Kings House Hub – We are now in the new area 1 HUB at Kings House. Currently we have the office space up and running with numerous ‘hot desk spaces’ for all to use, and we also have a small private room for bookings that can be utilised. Please speak to one of the band 7’s if you wish to use this room. Caseloads have been identified and the midwives for the 1st phase of moving in have been contacted. The GP surgeries will be contacted officially to inform them of the plans moving forwards.

 New Starter – We have Phoebe who has joined us from NWAFT and will be joining the homebirth team as a full time member of staff. I am sure you will meet with her during her orientation through community over the next few weeks! Welcome Phoebe!

 We also have Victoria Miller (MSW) who is with the community team proving support to us all. Welcome Victoria!

 Solus – Thank you to everyone for the support you have shown with using the new Solus application. New bookings are starting to come through and whilst we always pick up a few teething issues with any new process, we appreciate your support and feedback to improve the service. If anyone has any issues regarding using the new booking app, please contact Sarah Lumley, who will be happy to support.

 Safeguarding – Just a reminder for you all to ensure your safeguarding caseloads are kept up to date. The SG team are not able to attend meetings for the lower level cases due to their own work commitments, but they are always there to support if needed. If you have a meeting to attend, please make sure you speak to the B7’s who can arrange for cover for your clinical work in order for you to attend.

 Referrals for Homebirths – Again just a reminder to have ‘the discussion’ at booking with all women about their choice of place of birth at their booking appointments. Referrals to the homebirth team need to be made as soon as possible to ensure women have the best chance of being taken on their caseloads. There are a limited number of women the team can take.

 Please ensure the team are emailed on homebirthmidwives@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk

 Sarah Perry has now completed her band 7 secondment and I just wanted to say, what an amazing job she has done during her time with us. She has shown exceptional leadership skills and enthusiasm within the teams. Sarah has taken on every challenge head on and learnt so much over the past few months. Her development will continue and I am sure there will be many projects she will continue to take on to keep supporting and improving things for you all.