CWM TAF UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD STATEMENT ON MATERNITY SERVICES
A recent review of incidents that we have instigated in our maternity service has identified the need to take action to ensure that risks are fully identified and any concerns are dealt with quickly and in the most appropriate way.
As part of our review, we have identified a total of 43 cases, between 1st January 2016 and the end of September 2018, where there was an adverse outcome that required a full investigation. We have gone back and looked at each of these cases in more detail to find out if all appropriate actions were taken at the time.
We have almost completed the process with a small number of case reviews to be finalised. Any further information arising from this process will be shared in full with the families concerned and we will provide additional support and any redress as appropriate.
In the meantime, we have already taken measures to strengthen our service which include more timely and effective reporting of risks, and identification of areas for improvement.
We have also taken a number of positive actions to strengthen the workforce. This includes:
- Appointment of an additional middle-grade Doctor;
- Continuous advert for additional medical staff including Consultants;
- The appointment of a Consultant Midwife;
- Engaged Senior Midwife support from neighbouring Health Boards to support our overall staffing;
- Recruitment of 15 midwives who will be joining the service over the next few weeks (with expressions of interest from others which we are following up)
- A continuous advertisement for further staff at all levels.
We are also in the process of appointing to a new post of Deputy Head of Midwifery and a senior Midwife role dedicated to fetal surveillance.
We take our responsibilities for patients very seriously and are determined to do everything necessary to ensure we provide the best possible care for women and their babies.
We have commissioned a Peer Review from experts within Wales, the output of which will be used to help us further improve services. We are also currently in the process of inviting representatives of the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to conduct a formal review. This is really important to give us expert objective advice about the quality, safety and effectiveness of our services now and in the future. The outcome of this review will be made public when complete.
We have excellent, dedicated staff in Cwm Taf and together we remain fully committed to delivering a high quality maternity service that meets all the best practice standards and provides safe and effective care for local women and their babies.
If anyone has any concerns about our service they can contact us on 08000 328999 between the hours of 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively you can email us at CTHB_concerns@wales.nhs.uk anytime and we will arrange for someone to contact you directly.
Cwm Taf Community Health Council can also be contacted for support and advice on 01443 405830
