Menu
12/09/2003
Midwife shortage is contributing to near misses in wards
Midwife shortages are contributing to “adverse events and near misses" on UK labour wards, according to a report published in this week's British Medical Journal.
As part of the study, researchers examined practices in the labour wards of seven maternity units in the north west of England. They observed the organisation of care on each labour ward, analysed records, and interviewed all midwives on duty.
All the maternity units included in the study reported experiencing midwifery staffing shortages and most units were forced to rely on ‘bank’ or agency midwives to maintain minimum staffing levels.
Despite these midwifery staff shortages, high-risk practices, such as giving drugs to induce labour and performing epidurals, were being continued in all units studied.
Many adverse events and "near misses" were caused by these shortages, and near misses went unreported in all units.
Staffing shortages were also reported to preventing uptake of scheduled training sessions.
The report’s authors led by Brenda Ashcroft from the university of Salford noted: "We observed many latent failures, 'accidents waiting to happen', in this study."
The study concluded that “despite the exemplary dedication of midwives, the system cannot operate safely and effectively when the number of midwives is inadequate, midwives are poorly deployed, and they are unable to undertake training and update their skills”.
Commenting on the report Shadow Health Secretary Dr Liam Fox said it was “worrying” and described a “typical picture” of the staff shortages facing maternity units.
(SP)
As part of the study, researchers examined practices in the labour wards of seven maternity units in the north west of England. They observed the organisation of care on each labour ward, analysed records, and interviewed all midwives on duty.
All the maternity units included in the study reported experiencing midwifery staffing shortages and most units were forced to rely on ‘bank’ or agency midwives to maintain minimum staffing levels.
Despite these midwifery staff shortages, high-risk practices, such as giving drugs to induce labour and performing epidurals, were being continued in all units studied.
Many adverse events and "near misses" were caused by these shortages, and near misses went unreported in all units.
Staffing shortages were also reported to preventing uptake of scheduled training sessions.
The report’s authors led by Brenda Ashcroft from the university of Salford noted: "We observed many latent failures, 'accidents waiting to happen', in this study."
The study concluded that “despite the exemplary dedication of midwives, the system cannot operate safely and effectively when the number of midwives is inadequate, midwives are poorly deployed, and they are unable to undertake training and update their skills”.
Commenting on the report Shadow Health Secretary Dr Liam Fox said it was “worrying” and described a “typical picture” of the staff shortages facing maternity units.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2014
70% Of Supermarket Chickens Test Positive For Bacteria
A new report by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed that more than 70% of fresh chickens sold in UK supermarkets are contaminated. The chickens are contaminated with the Campylobacter bacteria, that cause a common form of food poisoning.
70% Of Supermarket Chickens Test Positive For Bacteria
A new report by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed that more than 70% of fresh chickens sold in UK supermarkets are contaminated. The chickens are contaminated with the Campylobacter bacteria, that cause a common form of food poisoning.
15 May 2008
Report Reveals Shortage Of Specialised Consultants
A leading medical body has called on the Government to support its campaign for more consultant radiologists. The British Medical Association (BMA) warned today that a lack of consultants in England and Wales could mean have implications for the health service and has called upon the support of Health Secretry Alan Johnson.
Report Reveals Shortage Of Specialised Consultants
A leading medical body has called on the Government to support its campaign for more consultant radiologists. The British Medical Association (BMA) warned today that a lack of consultants in England and Wales could mean have implications for the health service and has called upon the support of Health Secretry Alan Johnson.
22 January 2009
'Older People Benefit From Care In Specialist Geriatric Units': Report
Older people who are cared for in specialist geriatric units have a better chance of returning home after discharge than those cared for in conventional hospital units, finds a study published on bmj.com. They are also more likely to remain mobile and be able to carry out usual daily activities, such as dressing, eating or bathing.
'Older People Benefit From Care In Specialist Geriatric Units': Report
Older people who are cared for in specialist geriatric units have a better chance of returning home after discharge than those cared for in conventional hospital units, finds a study published on bmj.com. They are also more likely to remain mobile and be able to carry out usual daily activities, such as dressing, eating or bathing.
16 October 2015
Govt Announce Temporary Changes To Nurse Recruitment
The government has introduced temporary changes to restrictions on nurse recruitment from outside European Economic Area to ensure safe staffing levels across the NHS.
Govt Announce Temporary Changes To Nurse Recruitment
The government has introduced temporary changes to restrictions on nurse recruitment from outside European Economic Area to ensure safe staffing levels across the NHS.
06 September 2010
Tube Strike Expected To Cause Travel Chaos
Tube passengers are preparing to face travel chaos as the first in a series of strikes begins today. Thousands of London Underground employees are set to strike from 5pm this evening over plans to axe 800 jobs.
Tube Strike Expected To Cause Travel Chaos
Tube passengers are preparing to face travel chaos as the first in a series of strikes begins today. Thousands of London Underground employees are set to strike from 5pm this evening over plans to axe 800 jobs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
