Digital safety huddles improving outcomes for babies

Whether it’s virtual quizzes or ‘face time’ with loved ones, there are few areas of life that have been left untouched by video conferencing in 2020 – and now it’s claimed its next triumph in improving outcomes for mothers and babies…

Maternity and neonatal teams across Herefordshire and Worcestershire Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) have been using video conferencing technology to drive safety improvements for mothers and babies, thanks to the launch of their new daily digital safety huddles.

The technology has enabled professionals from the teams at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and Wye Valley NHS Trust – including the Unit Midwifery Co-ordinator, Obstetrician and Neonatologist – to more easily meet across sites each day to share details of operational issues, clinical information and review events directly impacting on service delivery.

The daily huddles have fast become an essential way to support safer care at the trusts, while also working to ensure that women and babies are in the most appropriate unit for their needs.

Michelle Sterry, Quality Improvement Midwife for the LMNS, said: “Colleagues have really supported this project”.

“The strength of team working, commitment to safety improvements and openness to change was very evident from all the clinical staff involved.”