July Newsletter L&D

Maternity Staff Newsletter

Issue 1

Welcome to the first edition of our bi-monthly newsletter. The purpose of the newsletter is to provide information and to share learning across our services reaching all members of staff. The newsletter is under development, and I look forward to hearing from you with suggestions for improvement.

It has been 8 months since I have joined the Trust, and I would like to thank you for the warm welcome I have received. A lot has happened in the past 8 months.

We have responded to our CQC inspection results, and the national reports into maternity services. I have been amazed at how quickly our workforce has increased in numbers and strength. This in the main has been due to our international recruitment strategy. We have welcomed 32 of our international colleagues to date, with some of our international colleagues due to complete their preceptorship and move into Band 6 positions. This journey has been no mean feat, and is due to the support of every single one of you.

There is so much to be proud of at L&D, and the future is bright. As we prepare for our transition to the new acute services block, we have a fantastic opportunity to provide an outstanding service for the community we serve. We are developing strong links with our communities through our MVPs, and our maternity strategy is being written.

There have been many changes to the management team. We said goodbye to Ilene and Mandi. We have missed Jenni’s leadership in Education and Workforce, however we are delighted Jenni is recovering and will be back with us in the future. I am delighted to welcome Ladka Keen as Midwifery Matron for Delivery suite. Ladka will undertake a 6 week induction programme, and will meet you all in due course. Angela Weatherley will join us from the regional team, and will undertake Jenni’s cross site role leading the education team until Jenni returns.

2 new consultant midwives have been appointed, Lorraine and Anna. These are both cross site roles, and each will have a clearly defined role.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication, and look forward to working with you all.

Kind regards, Hazel

July 2023

Hazel Cathcart

STAFF UPDATES

Welcome to….

Ladka Keene

Angela Weatherley

Change of role….

Lesley Groves, Legacy midwife

Congratulations to…. Natalia Potepa

Lindai Manjonga

Chelsie Miller

Brigit Antwi

For gaining their Band 6

HOT TOPICS

APPRAISALS

Training:

 Fetal Monitoring study day

 Supporting Physiological Birth

 Bespoke NLS, BLS, Manual Handling

 Diabetes Study day

 Suture Study

Please book via your line manager/ Training/Education team

TRAINING PARTOGRAMS

Emma Hardwick, Director

of

Midwifery

DELIVERY SUITE

News from Delivery Suite:

As you are all aware there have been some changes to the rota planning, and Kelley James will be coordinating the rota for Delivery Suite Midwives. Please be familiar with the erostering policy. Thank you to those of you who have submitted a flexible working request. We have formatted a database now for maternity to ensure that the rota is planned in a fair and equitable way and meets the key performance indicators required.

We have a lovely recliners chairs and screens in the Mothers room to make the ladies awaiting Elective LSCS more comfortable. The room has been painted too. We have ordered a plastic rack to be fixed to the wall to place some patient information leaflets and I have ordered a radio to play some music – any others ideas or suggestions to make this room more homely please let me know.

Our new Matron, Ladka Keene has joined us. Thank you all for bearing with me as Delivery Suite Ward Manager while we waited for Ladka to join us. I am sure you will all be welcoming and supportive of her in her new role, while she completes her induction and settles into the Trust.

Kelley X

Dear colleagues,

It is with great pleasure I write my first letter as the Delivery Suite Matron at Luton & Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust. This is my second week and the whole maternity unit has so far made me feel very welcome and I feel privileged to be joining the unit and the wider LDH community.

I would like to personally say thank you for the warm welcome and your continued dedication and support to The Trust and most importantly to the families.

I look forward to meeting you and all and building longterm working relationships!

Yours sincerely

Ladka Keene Delivery Suite Matron

WATCH THIS SPACE…..

We’re looking to set up regular team meetings for all staff. We would welcome any suggestions as to how we can do this to try to reach as many of you as possible – face to face / Teams / pop up meetings. This is so that we can share ideas, disseminate important information and have a time to come together as a team.

Ladka Keene

Home Visits:

All teams within community have resumed 1st day home visits. The idea is to ensure quality to the care we give as well as tackle feeding issues early to prevent excessive weight loss

Routine Day 3 Weighing:

For the Traditional Community Teams routine weighing on day 3 has discontinued. All babies who need to be weighed on day 3 should only be those with feeding issues or other clinical indication as assessed on first day contact.

Face to Face bookings:

All women must be booked by 10 weeks. This has been the target from NICE since 2021. West Dunstable and West Leighton Buzzard are our trial teams for recommencing face to face bookings. This means that women will be invited into those hubs for a booking appointment for history taking and screening bloods at the same time. We are trialling in our smaller teams to identify teething issues and work around before rolling out in all traditional teams.

NICE AN schedule of care:

We have gone NICE L&D style! You all should have a laminated reference tool to guide you in organising your care package to our women. Please note the 34 week home visit is not expected just yet – this is our future aspiration.

Hub Lines:

Women should no longer be given your individual mobile numbers. Stickers have been made and in your team trays to stick on the front of the notes with each hub’s number. This does not apply to Gemini or Liberty team however due to logistics and nature of their caseloads. Maternity Reception and the Wards will have stickers to put on green notes and discharge packs respectively.

Patient Information Leaflets: I have made you 2 leaflets to give our women – one at booking and one at 34-36 weeks. Both describe how we work

Roxy Vidal

Pools:

I have taken the executive decision to discontinue giving out pools for home births. I have no evidence of them being maintained from a safety standard and therefore cannot guarantee they are all fit for use. Hardly any other Trust supplies pools anymore and I feel the expense to replace them would not be the best use of our funds. Women can be advised to hire a birthing pool if this is their desire. We will continue to use our pool thermometers but these usually come with the pools in any standard hire.

Equipment Overhaul:

Claire and I are currently updating the log of all our equipment and assets. Your help is needed here so when information is requested please respond promptly. It is a huge piece of work that has to be done and is the only way to ensure you all have everything you need. Our day to day is filled with enough surprises, so lets’ not make equipment be one that makes life difficult.

Home Birth Bags:

We have some new paramedic style homebirth bags with everything you need in a shiny, compartmentalised, singing and dancing package wrapped in a bow! We will move away from each of you carrying your own HB bags around with you every day to having 2 stored in your hub, 1 on DS, 1 in the Entonox Cupboard and 1 in CMW office. When you are on call you will take the HB bag home at the end of your day and return it in the morning. If you use it you restock it regardless where you take it from. The hub bags will need to be checked monthly by our MCAs, the DS bags will be checked by DS MCAs and our office ones by Claire.

Clinic Codes & IPM:

For the Hub teams, new clinic codes are being set up in addition to your existing ones to allow your admin teams and yourselves to book or change appointments on IPM. We need our work recorded on IPM as this is our paper trail documenting our activity.

AUDIT & GUIDELINES

CG168L HIV in Pregnancy

CG543T Management of Obstetric Cholestasis

CG259 Use of the Maternity Early Obstetric Warning Score (MEOWS) Chart

CG157 Antenatal Cardiotocography

SOP: Actim Partus

CG124L Diagnosis and Management of Pre-Labour Rupture of Membranes at Term

CG310 Maternity Care Pathways and Risk Assessments

M19 Management of Obstetric Sepsis

CG294 Guideline for the Assessment and Release of Restrictive Lingual Frenulum (Tongue Tie/Ankyloglossia) to Support Infant Feeding

CG147L Management of Eclampsia and Severe Pre-eclampsia Needing Magnesium Sulfate

Please read the updated guidelines & SOPs on the Staff intranet

SOP: Following Up Results of Samples Taken in Maternity Services

SOP: NIPE SMART

SOP: BSOTS on Ward 31

Minor Amendment. Appendices added (with Bedford)

Updated with new evidence, substantial changes please read

Minor changes to reflect Temp ≥37.5°C on two occasions and 1 hour apart needs obstetric review

Updated in relation to Dawes Redman criteria and new AN CTG sticker – please read – cross site

New SOP, please read

Updated after SI 021/19305. If temperature is ≥ 37.5 °C on two occasions 1 hour apart this needs admission to Delivery Suite

Minor amendment as we are booking at 10/40

Minor changes to Sepsis sticker tool and change to Temp 37.5°C –37.9°C on two occasions and 1 hour apart needs obstetric review

Guideline has been merged and updated

Minor changes after SI in relation to addition of Glasgow Coma Scale instead of AVPU, neurological observations, brain imaging and if abnormal renal function to halve magnesium rate

New SOP, please read

SOP: Informed Consent For antenatal Screening Tests At Booking

Updated SOP, please read

Updated SOP, women will be seen up to 28 days postnatally

New SOP, please read

GROW charts audit March to June 2022

Background:

Serious Incident December 2020 highlighted missed opportunities to place a GROW chart in a woman’s notes

Aims & Objectives:

 To ensure GROW charts are present in women’s notes in a timely manner and available for all appointments in order to assess fetal growth

 To identify factors that may be contributing to any failures in this process

 Make recommendations as a result of findings

Results:

80-95% of antenatal notes had a GROW chart present by 28 weeks gestation

Recommendations/Actions:

Consider upgrade to GROW 2.0 software which is a fully electronic application and does not rely on the use of paper charts.

Process for producing GROW charts for late bookers sent in practice alert

Practice Alert - Grow Charts

All women should have a GROW chart produced at the time of their dating scan

Women who attend for their dating scan outside of clinic hours will have their GROW chart placed in the turquoise folder in ANC for the community midwife to collect

At the 16 week appointment the community midwife must ensure that a GROW chart has been produced, is accurate and is placed in the green notes (M41 Guideline for GROW and GAP Pathway)

All clinicians should check that a GROW chart is present in the green notes at every antenatal contact, to ensure timely fetal growth surveillance from 26-28 weeks gestation

If a woman books late (i.e doesn’t have a dating scan) OR presents in the unit without a GROW chart in the green handheld notes.

If there is no GROW chart in the turquoise folder and it is out of clinic hours, place a request in the GROW Request book in ANC with the relevant details - Name, Hospital Number, Height, Weight and EDD and Date of Scan.

Or email Kelly.wombwell@ldh.nhs.uk and Karen.Sinclair@ldh.nhs.uk with the relevant details who will arrange for one to be produced.

PRECEPTORSHIP LEAD

New preceptorship framework was released 2 weeks ago, please see the link below.

We will be updating our own shortly. NHS England » National preceptorship framework for midwifery

Any existing preceptors need to see the Preceptor Lead for an update on the paperwork (unless they have an obstetric study day coming up as there is a slot on there). If any midwife who has been qualified for 2 years, they can come and see me too for one to one training.

Please contact: Jodie Shields

OVERDUE APPRAISALS!!!!!!

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LINE MANAGER TO COMPLETE YOUR APPRAISAL ASAP

Name the baby?

Can you guess who this baby is?

This person came to the L&D as a preceptor. She’s had a variety of roles within the Trust.

The answer is on the back page

Our KWiP(Keep Well in Pregnancy) Team will shortly be back up and running again, recruitment for two new advisors has now been completed. Thanks to our Community and Antenatal Clinic Team for their support during this time and for working hard with CO Monitoring.

We will soon be assigning Midwives to Postnatal Contraception training and are looking forward to rolling out this new service to our families. Both our

Cultural Competency and Birth Rights Study days have been well attended with fantastic feedback and we are hoping to provide more of these in the future. If there are any improvements with the service that you feel would make a difference for our families and staff please feel free to contact me.

My inbox is always open  Laura Hallas SAFEGUARDING

Level 3 Safeguarding Children study days, available face to face in COMET 5 and virtual via MS Teams

Wed 19th July

Tues 26th September

Thurs 26th Oct

Mon 13th Nov

All bookings to be made via trainingbookings@ldh.nhs.uk

“Andwhatcouldbemorebeautifulthanbringingnewlifeintotheworld.”

Information to be read alongside your GROW training

Your initial GROW training at Luton & Dunstable Hospital will require you to complete two elements of training.

Firstly, you need to attend a remote GAP workshop via MS teams which will be built into your induction programme. This is presented by Perinatal Institute and will provide you with the relevant theory behind the GAP/GROW protocol. This only needs to be completed once on your induction, however if you feel the need to attend at any point in the future for your own learning, this can be accessed by following this link https://www.perinatal.org.uk/diary

Secondly you will also be required to complete GAP e-learning via the following link:

https://portal.elfh.org.uk/Catalogue/Index?HierarchyId=0_52709&programmeId=52709

Prior to this you need to register with e-LFH (Health Education England elearning for healthcare professionals).

Once you have registered you will need to complete 2 modules: GAP theory & GAP practice each followed by a multiple choice assessment. This should then be completed once a year to keep yourself up to date.

Once you have completed each element of your training please inform both of us by email including a copy of your certificates. Helen.kerr@ldh.nhs.uk and Bianca.Ross@ldh.nhs.uk

We would like to highlight that you will notice some differences between Perinatal Institute protocol and our local Trust guideline. These amendments have been made by the Trust to accommodate capacity within the maternity department and are subject to change at any point in the future. It is therefore important that you always refer to the most up to date version of the local guideline which can be found on the intranet

CG 371 – Growth Related Optimal Weight (GROW) and Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP) Pathway.

GAP GROW

We would like to draw your attention to a few of the long standing differences between national and our local guidance:

 Your training will inform you that national guidance recommends low risk women are referred directly to the ultrasound department for a third trimester growth scan with any growth discrepancies based on fundal height measurement.

However, local Trust guidance differs in that from 39 weeks if a growth discrepancy on fundal height measurement is detected, the woman in these circumstances should be referred to Antenatal Clinic for an obstetric review to agree a further plan of care which may or may not include an ultrasound scan.

 Your training will inform you that national guidance recommends low risk women are referred directly to the ultrasound department for a third trimester growth scan when accelerated growth by fundal height is detected.

However, local Trust guidance differs in that if there is excessive growth on two consecutive fundal height measurements at least 2 weeks apart OR clinical suspicion of polyhydramnios, the women should be referred directly to the ultrasound department for a third trimester growth scan. We currently do not refer for a growth scan on the first episode of accelerated growth

 The algorithm for serial growth scans for moderate and high risk women and those unsuitable for fundal height measurements is based on the Saving Babies Lives version 2 algorithm and will have some anomalies when compared to that discussed by the Perinatal Institute. Please refer to the algorithm in the local Trust guideline in all clinical situations.

Any queries/questions with your training or any other GROW related queries please do not hesitate to contact us by email as above or by telephone 07973 879852

Please note, we may not answer your query immediately as we may be scanning and therefore any urgent queries please contact the appropriate team lead or manager.

“The greatest privilege of human life is to become a midwife to birth to the soul.”

INFANT FEEDING TEAM

All mothers are now being given antenatal expressing packs (containing syringes, stoppers and our antenatal expressing leaflet) at 34-36 week appointments, and having a conversation about how this can be useful in getting breastfeeding off to a good start.

We hope this will help to avoid unnecessary formula supplementation on the postnatal ward and support families on their breastfeeding journeys.

Thank you to everyone for welcoming our new colleagues in to the department and for your ongoing support

INTERNATIONAL MIDWIVES UPDATE

We now have 32 Internationally Educated Midwives (IEM’s) that have joined L&D since January 2022 and have progressed through our OSCE teaching and PRP orientation programme.

22 have pins and are working as part of our team

We have 4 awaiting their NMC pin after successfully passing their OSCE – huge congratulations! We have 4 eagerly awaiting their OSCE exam results

We have 2 awaiting their exams and we wish them the very best of luck!

We are launching an Overseas Ambassador Scheme for peer and pastoral support for our IEMs.

Our ambassadors are:

Raphael Anusa

Arisekonla Precious Iperepolu

Oluwapelumi Opeyemi

Khadeejat Aminu

Posters will appear in clinical areas soon…. If you would like to be involved in providing peer and pastoral support for our IEMs, please contact jodie.shields@ldh.nhs.uk

Thank you to Jackie Bruce, Discharge Officer on Ward 33, for all her incredible work with facilitating early discharges.

Thank you to Lianna Rohan and Neetha Francis for their hard work and support on Ward 33.

PROMOTING PHYSIOLOGICAL BIRTH STUDY DAY

Are you looking to improve your confidence in home births, water births and care in supporting women’s choice?

19th July

1st November

All held at Peter Newton Pavillion Hall.

Please contact Adele Connelly or Carrie Oliver to book your space.

adele.connelly@ldh.nhs.uk carolyn.oliver@ldh.nhs.uk

“Amidwifemustpossessthehandofalady,theeyesofahawkandthe heartofalion.”

May FFT Results by Ward

Delivery Suite/MLBU = 2

Ward 32/DAU = 119

Ward 33 = 174 ANC = 2

If you require support or training, please feel free to contact me on 07771 835 135.

I am more than happy to support you. Kelly – Patient Experience Midwife

A successful and energising event where 60 staff, service users and external stake holders all met to discuss maternity services and things we can do to make improvements to the care we provide.

 Cultural competence

 Language & communication

 Safety

 Inclusion

 Service Improvements

 Listening

 Consistency

 Continuity

 Individualised

 Culture change

Actions highlighted

Risk Register

RISK & GOVERNANCE Luton only

There are 54 risks in total for the Luton site all of which need review and updating.

There are currently 7 risks that are specific to the Luton site that are currently scored at 15 or above. All of these need review of controls and actions updating and review to assess if the risk is still current.

In brief…..

 Serious Incidents – 6 in progress, 5 overdue for completion.

 6 awaiting completion, 5 with neonatal input being required

 6 HSIB cases in progress – 2 nearing completion. Improvement plans being confirmed for 3 other completed cases

Cross Site

There are currently 2 risks that are affecting maternity services cross-site.

Draft report received and comments returned and comments accepted

Awaiting final report. May take some time as needs to be translated by HSIB

There are no safety recommendations.

May be rejected as no evidence of brain injury on MRI

A decision was made at the time of scoping that if the case is rejected, there is no need to undertake an investigation as the case was appropriately managed.

HSIB

RCAs

PLEASE LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING REPORTS:

SAVING BABIES’ LIVES: VERSION 2

MBRRACE-UK: MOTHERS AND BABIES:

CNST Maternity Incentive scheme: Year five

Teamwork

We work mindfully and collaboratively to create a well-organised, professional and supportive atmosphere that achieves the possible outcomes for all. We do this by:

 Communicating effectively and respectfully with our colleagues

 Valuing all contributions and taking the time to listen to each other

 Making decisions together to provide the best possible service for all Honesty & Openness

We are open, authentic and have integrity in all we do by:

 Openly sharing constructive feedback with others in a kind and empathetic way

 Understanding the impact and value of our role on patients, colleagues and carers

 Supporting colleagues to learn and reflect when things don’t go as expected

Respect

We respect colleagues, patients and carers by actively listening, responding, and providing everyone with a voice to create a positive work atmosphere. We do this by:

 Showing empathy and understanding when communicating with others

 Valuing the importance of everyone’s role within the team

 Taking the time to actively listen and respond to patients, colleagues and carers

 Respecting each other as equally capable, independent people Inclusivity

We are fair and inclusive and appreciate the diversity within our community:

 Supporting the diverse communities we serve in our working life

 Confidently challenging discriminative behaviour

 Considering different needs in order to provide fair access to our services

 Ensure that our workforce has equal access to opportunities

Valuing People

We value patients, colleagues and carers by showing care and empathy. We do this by:

 Acknowledging everyone’s efforts and successes

 Taking the time to care for our own wellbeing and check in on others

 Encouraging a supportive community that enables everyone to make a difference

Excellence

We share knowledge, information and support each other to develop, innovate and learn. We do this by:

 Being open to challenges and improvement

 Acting on and embracing constructive feedback

What was achieved in May 2023

 Topping out ceremony

 Commencement of Acute Services block roof steel frame

 Completion of Acute Services block north external riser steel work

 Commenced roof waterproofing membrane to new block roof

What is our plans for June 2023

 Progress Acute Services block roof steel

 Begin work on passenger lift installation

 Complete window installation on upper levels

 Progress internal walls on upper floor levels

SCAN ME

The PMA Role

In supporting midwives, preceptees, internationally recruited midwives, students and maternity support staff

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Professional Midwifery Advocate Team are here to support staff by creating thinking space around the day-to-day demands of providing safe and appropriate care for women and babies.

The PMA Team deploy the A-EQUIP model (Advocating for Education and Quality Improvement) which aims to support YOU through a process of restorative clinical supervision (RCS) and personal action for quality improvement.

The PMA supports you in delivering good quality care when faced with complex or challenging situations. By offering opportunities to have reflective conversations, as a group or on a one to one basis, where you can contemplate different perspectives and think through changes you may be able to implement to improve the quality of care of Maternity Services and job satisfaction.

Providing support and feedback to develop progress and strengthen the capabilities of the maternity workforce by actioning themes from restorative clinical supervision (RCS) sessions.

The benefits and how the Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA) team can support you

 Improve well-being of staff feeling valued, reducing stress levels, relieving emotional fatigue

 Working relationships and team dynamics improve.

 Increases job satisfaction and staff retention.

27/07/23 1030-1230

24/08/23 1030-1230

In the MMR.

Use the QR to book an adhoc appointment

 Enhances the quality of care for women, their babies and family through quality improvement ideas and by developing skills to become an advocate for women accessing maternity services

 Support when attending an HSIB (Health Service Investigation Bureau) interview.

 Multi-disciplinary debriefs following incidents in practice.

 Signpost to supportive services (well-being, education support).

 Be a listening ear for you

The Bedfordshire Hospitals Lead PMAs have devised a maternity staff booklet.

Contents:

o Knowledge of the A-EQUIP Model and it’s benefits

o Well~being for maternity staff

o Collaborative working

o Revalidation

o Social Media Guidance

o Escalating Concerns

o PMA Service Evaluation Form

o QR code for self referral

New read recommendation……….. Flourish

by Kate Greenstock

A practical & emotional guidebook to thriving in midwifery

The partogram needs to be completed as below in every woman’s labour notes

EDUCATION TEAM

BLOOD TRANSFUSION

Over a quarter of Blood Transfusion blood rejects in May were due to haemolysed samples. To avoid haemolysation:

 Do not shake bottle – gently invert

 Send samples to lab as soon as possible – haemolysation can occur after 2 hours

 If taking blood via a syringe at point of cannulation, DO NOT fill the blood bottle through the lid via a needle. Remove the lid of the blood bottle and dispense the blood directly from the syringe

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LINE MANAGER TO COMPLETE YOUR APPRAISAL ASAP

INSIDE NEWS

As you will have seen in ‘The Week’, we have opened the bookings for all our staff to attend one of our Engagement Event sessions at either the Bedford or L&D site. The Bedford event is from the 4th –7th July 2023 and the L&D event is from the 10-14th July 2023.

The sessions last an hour and are held in a marquee on the hospital sites. It is a great opportunity to take a break away from the frontline/your desk, hear about what is going on in the Trust, meet and chat to colleagues, enjoy some food and for us to say ‘Thank You’ to you.

Below are the available times and the spaces available – please email CorporateEvents@bedsft.nhs.uk with the staff names you want to book or number of spaces you would like, the location you want and the dates and times.

Also – don’t forget the ‘Thank You Friday’ - more information will be shared soon.

Free e-cycle loan and confidence sessions for L&D based staff

Cycling UK is excited to offer free e-cycle skills and confidence sessions and one-month loans to staff at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.

Hopping on an e-cycle regularly avoids having to pay for expensive fuel and car repairs. Not only that, pedalling also brings mental and physical health benefits and contributes to a cleaner environment.

Are you interested in a free one-month e-cycle loan or would like to attend a skills and confidence session? Visit https://www.cyclinguk.org/NHSLutonHospital to find out more.

Staff Health & Wellbeing

Over 40s Health Check at the L&D

The Health Check team at Total Wellbeing Luton will be visiting the L&D Occupational Health Department on Thursday 1 June, and Thursday 27 July, to offer staff aged 40-74 a free NHS health check.

The check is designed to spot the early signs of kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. Each health check takes approximately 30 minutes and offers the following:

 A small pinprick of blood to screen for cholesterol levels

 Height/Weight/Waist measurements to check BMI.

 Blood pressure.

 General lifestyle advice and education.

 Signposting to other services if appropriate.

Please visit the intranet for the full criteria requirements. To book an appointment, or register your interest for future dates, please email jennie.jones@bedsft.nhs.uk and leave your contact number.

e-Expenses to be implemented in August

The Workforce and Organisational Development Teams are currently working on a project to implement an e-Expenses solution across the Trust.

This will enable staff to access a web-based system, accessible on any PC or mobile device, and enter details of mileage and travel expenses, which are directly interfaced into the ESR system for payment. This brings the following benefits:

 No more paper forms, eliminating the chance of claims getting lost in the post or payment being delayed

 By entering the post codes of places visited, the system calculates journey mileage due automatically

 Mobile phone app – Enabling you to enter claim details, and even take a photo of any receipts at any time or place and upload it directly to your claim

The system should go live in August and a final date will be announced in due course. All staff will be sent details regarding the system, along with details of the available training. If you have any questions, please contact WorforceLuton@bedsft.nhs.uk

Save the date for the BLMK International nurses and midwives career development day and celebration event

Taking place on Wednesday 20 September at the Rufus Centre, Flitwick, international nurses and midwives are invited to the next forum and celebration event. Topics include academic writing, career progression and wellbeing.

BLMK Away Day for Internationally Educated Nurses and Midwives . Tickets, Wed 20 Sep 2023 at 09:00 | Eventbrite

RAISE & PRAISE

Following the recent birth of my daughter Emily, I would like to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the midwives and other staff in the Midwife Led Birth Unit.

Other than having to wait longer than seemed appropriate for assessment on Ward 31 when I first arrived, at which point I was contracting every three minutes, I really cannot fault the treatment I received. Particular acknowledgment should go to Stacey (surname unknown), the midwife who was responsible for my delivery. She had an incredibly calming demeanour, had clearly read my birth plan and was very respectful of it, to the extent that she raised items I had forgotten that I had included in it!

As a result, Emily was delivered very quickly, with no complications or intervention and we were able to go home the same day. I was very surprised when Stacey told me after the birth that she was only recently qualified and that this was the first water birth she had done – she seemed to be so much more experienced and confident than her level of qualification would imply.

My only constructive feedback is that when another midwife came into the room, presumably to give Stacey any guidance she may need, they were conferring very quietly, which was appreciated in one respect but had the effect of making me worry that something may be wrong. In future, it may be helpful to explain earlier on that colleagues may come in for support but that it is nothing to be concerned about. Otherwise, I can only repeat my thanks to this wonderful team!

Nicki and Debbie (Gemini Team) were absolutely amazing, even after I had left hospital and had complications they made sure I was looked after and was directed to the correct department.

I would also like to express my thanks to all of the members of the Early Pregnancy team, who provided me with outstanding care and support when I was really suffering with hyperemesis.

Thank you to all the staff who looked after me on delivery suite. I felt I had outstanding care. My community midwife was also amazing.

(Birth Reflections)

Maternity Ward 33 (L&D)

“I would like to thank Midwife Caroline and MCA Susan on Ward 33 for being so supportive and helpful. They both took my individual needs into consideration and were very compassionate and caring. Thank you so much for looking after me.”

Well done to Nathalie Iktoshi, who recently won the Daisy award.

I just wanted to send an email to express how much the care myself, Ash, Alfie and Ethan received from the team at L and D.

From the moment we found out that Alfie would be born sleeping the support that was put into place for us was unbelievable! I remember clearly hanging off one of the midwives necks when I was told Alfie did not have a heartbeat I don’t even know who she was to thank but she treated me like she had known me for years! Everyone made sure that we were ok and that all new baby things were removed from our room, again I cannot thank them more for this.

When I was in labour you (Sally Sloane) and the student who was with you made sure that both myself and Ash were consistently looked after but I never felt that you were pitying us! My birth was so special and that was made more so by your care and support. We were then allowed to bath Alfie, this was one of the only ways I could care for him as his mum and we were left alone to do this, again a memory I will never forget.

Following my birth the bereavement midwife at the time (Helen Braid) supported us through the whole process, from birth to leaving the hospital.

The bereavement suite at the hospital really was a saving grace where we were able to stay in our little family bubble for as long as we needed to. This room was such a vital place for us and without it we and other families like us would not be able to build memories with our angels. I spent three days there and I never felt like Alfie was ignored he was spoken to and loved by every person they entered the room. I feel that this validated him as a person and not just as a baby that we had lost!

Following the loss of Alfie I became pregnant very quickly and unexpectedly. You messaged me to tell me your new roll and I felt myself relax knowing that I would be fully supported by a member of staff that knew us and our past history. This again made our journey with our little rainbow so much easier. As my pregnancy progressed I met more staff members that were there to support me. I would like to mention Natalie Vaughan as she was a rock throughout my whole pregnancy she was at the end of the phone for any little niggle that I had!

When I reached 20 weeks we came into the rainbow clinic and I was welcomed like a friend. I remember shaking and feeling panicked but yourself and Mr Das straight away put me at ease. Little one was growing well and doing great. From this point forward I was scanned regularly putting my mind to rest. Without these extra scans and support from you and Mr Das I wouldn’t have mentally got through my pregnancy!

At around 24 weeks my mental health started to get the better of me and I had to admit that I needed to talk to someone again I contacted you and Natalie and was given an appointment with Ms Vegas (this woman is amazing!) she put me in touch with the Ocean clinic where I received counselling from Karen (Cook-Smith), I didn’t think I needed this at the time but with encouragement from you and Natalie I gave it ago. It put my mind to rest!

As you are aware at 34 weeks my waters broke and complete panic set in! I called delivery suite and came in, on arrival there was a midwife who came out to meet me, she told me that she didn’t meet me previously but knew who I was by name and didn’t want me to be waiting anywhere so took me straight through. Little one was ok but needed treatment to strengthen his lungs this was all done quickly and through the rainbow clinic it was agreed that I would stay in the hospital this massively relieved our anxieties knowing that we would be monitored regularly. My induction was also brought forward a week from the origins plan.

Whilst on the ward I was regularly visited by the team midwives and consultants, this made me feel safe and secure knowing little man was being looked after.

At 36 weeks I went into labour… Ethan was born through emergency c section on the 22/2/23, healthy and happy!!

We cannot thank the team at the rainbow clinic enough, I whole heartedly know that you all made my rainbow pregnancy so much easier!

Not only that you continued to support and visit after Ethan was born! Every member of the team that I met throughout my pregnancy came to meet Ethan which was amazing and we were able to thank you all personally! Filling our return home you were and still are there if we need any support which is amazing!

Maternity (L&D)

“Throughout my pregnancy, I felt cared for and the service provided was excellent. Michelle, my community midwife is an absolute diamond and I thank her for all her support throughout.

“My caring and dedicated consultant Miss Low recommended I was induced due to concerns over growth. The delivery suite and clinic were both very busy but the level of care and kindness remained throughout. I was on the ward until Sunday 28 May until late and had great care the whole time. Fay and Silvia were particularly amazing and I would like to extend my thanks to them and the rest of the team for making it as comfortable as possible.

“When I went into labour I was greeted by Usha, she was absolutely amazing throughout and I couldn’t thank her enough. The care provided by Usha, Lee and the doctors were excellent throughout and I would like to thank them for the exceptional care.”

IDM 2023

Just a reminder to you all that you can report GOOD CARE on Inphase, it is not just for incidents!!

Recent good care that I have heard or read are from:

Shelley Dunn, Sally Sloane, Nathalie Iktoshi, Mr Das, Remus Prioteasa, and Trish Bellinger.

Thank you for all your hard work and the care you have given to women!

Let’s continue to support each other and praise each other, especially in the hot weather and a very busy unit!

Thank you to all of the Delivery suite staff for their continued hard work hard work and dedication to the families we care for – each and every one of you really do make a difference.

VACANCIES

Vacancy update:

SD1 BH The CQC said… The trust should ensure there are adequate numbers of staff to meet the demands of the service. (Regulation 18)

Next steps:

•Continue the international recruitment pipeline, focus on the support and retention of staff with our newly appointed two legacy midwife posts (one at Luton and one at Bedford).

•On Bedford site, we offered places also to all our 3rd year students (7.84 WTE)

Midwifery Matron Band 8a (Luton)

Ref: 418-MAT8218-EH

Deputy HoM Band 8b (Bedford)

Ref: 418-MID5289-GT

Experienced Midwife Band 6 (Luton)

Ref: 418-MAT2840-EH-C

Conversation Café with the Head Of Midwifery!

When: Last Thursday of every month.

Time: 14:00-16:00

14:00-15:00-Appointment based! Please contact Livi Wombwell to book (please note there will only be 3 20 minute slots available)

15:00-16:00-Drop in session

Where: MMR

Our Head of Midwifery would like to hear your thoughts, concerns and ideas. Please join the drop in session or if you wish to have a short 1:1, feel free to give Livi Wombwell an email!

Charity Quiz Night!

The charity team are putting on 2 quiz nights in the staff engagement tents, Luton quiz night will be 12th July from 6pm-10pm. These quiz nights are open to both staff and the public, to secure your spot, purchase your tickets by contacting the charity team on fundraising@ldh.nhs.uk or call 01582 718 289. All proceeds from the quiz nights will go directly to our Maternity Appeal. There will also be a raffle with prizes to be won, the price of the ticket also includes food.

To add your news/ information for the next addition. Please email Tina McCann/ Livi Wombwell

Name the baby……. Tina McCann