I am pleased that this year’s World Patient Safety Day is dedicated to the need to prioritise and address safety in maternal and newborn care. While the UK remains one of the safest places in the world to give birth, we know from the most recent MBRRACE report that 217 women died during or up to 6 weeks after pregnancy between 2016-18 and this figure rose to 566 for women who died up to a year after pregnancy. A constellation of biases can prevent women with complex and multiple problems receiving the care they need.”
Jenny Hughes, Regional Chief Midwife for the South East
To celebrate World Patient Safety Day on Friday 17 September 2021, the Maternity Clinical Networks and Delivery team has produced a one-off e-newsletter for all their partners, colleagues and stakeholders.
As well as the thoughts and reflections of Jenny Hughes, Regional Chief Midwife, you’ll also find links to a number of key documents focused on improving Safety in Maternity Care. There is also the publication of a brand new tool developed by the South East team; a maternity resource pack.
The newsletter contains some insightful and valuable comments from co-editor Emma Taylor, South East Maternity Voices Partnership, including this:
Informed decision-making, whether about the Covid vaccine, place of birth, type of birth, or feeding choice, is vital to safe care. By supporting women in making informed decisions about their care, discussing options and risks with them, you are continuing to build safety into the very heart of maternity care.”
Emma Taylor, South East Maternity Voices Partnership
