22 January 2014
During a routine inspection
A specialist advisor, who was a practising midwife, assisted us with this inspection. They spoke with staff and two mothers who had recently given birth. They also looked at care records and staff training records.
During our visit we met with the matron, team leader and 11 community midwives. We were also able to meet with two mothers who attended the post-natal clinic.
People's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan. The records we looked at demonstrated women received a home visit from their allocated midwife where their needs and preferences were discussed.
Care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that ensured people's safety and welfare. We saw midwives completed a pre-birth risk assessment with the expectant mother which helped to determine whether they were suitable for a home birth. Potential risks were assessed and appropriate interventions to manage those risks were in place.
There were arrangements in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies. The hospital had a range of policies and procedures for dealing with contingencies such as medical emergencies.
There were suitable arrangements in place to protect people's health, welfare and safety where their care and treatment was transferred and shared with other professionals. We saw there were clear processes and pathways for liaising and referring to other providers when required. For example, other specialties and departments and the local authority.
There were policies and procedures for recognising and reporting abuse and whistle blowing for staff. All of the staff we spoke with had a very good understanding of safeguarding procedures relating to adults and children and all were aware of the name of the safeguarding lead contact.
There were sufficient numbers of appropriately qualified staff on duty to meet the needs of the people they supported.