Becky Carruthers Midwife said “We feel the way of using technology to keep women updated has really excelled. We have embraced the Badger Net app and local maternity voices partnership to ensure women are not only reassured, updated with current changes and kept informed with evidenced based information but are also listened to. This has streamlined communication and been a fantastic asset for the trust to use.
"During the pandemic “We have rethought our induction of labour process which has in turn improved patient flow so women are having a reduced stay in hospital. The teamwork within the unit has been really exemplary. Although self- isolation recommendations have at times effected staffing levels, the team have really pulled together to support each other by covering shifts and taking on extras so this doesn’t have an impact on the care provided to patients. This is across the board and not just on the delivery unit here in Carlisle. It’s inclusive of Community, Women’s outpatients and west Cumbria too. Overall breastfeeding rates have improved!
"We have also had midwives returning to work after coming out of retirement; and senior undergraduate students have joined the workforce too. This is enabling them to contribute towards clinical services during the pandemic whilst continuing with their educational programme."
Sue Gowling, Community midwife said "In response to the current pandemic the midwives had to very quickly review and adapt their working practices and arrange new ways of keeping themselves and mums and babies safe whilst continuing to provide an excellent standard of safe and effective care.
As part of the front line of the service, they had to deal with an exceptional amount of concerns and queries by phone in the days following lockdown whilst trying to arrange facilities in which to see women and adapt technology to support them with this and allow them to liaise with other services. They have continued to provide face to face care both in clinics and homes, ensuring that mums and babies still get the support they require. The women and families appear to be reassured of their safety by midwives arriving at their homes wearing appropriate PPE.
The ability to be flexible, supportive of each other and hardworking is evident always but particularly at present and deserves to be celebrated and recognised on this special day."