Expectant and new mothers praise the maternity unit at The Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran
Today, a report has been published by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) following an inspection of the maternity unit at The Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran.
HIW completed an unannounced inspection of the hospital’s maternity services across three consecutive days in June. During the inspection, HIW observed the service being provided was safe and effective. However, inspectors identified some issues requiring immediate assurance in relation to daily critical equipment checking, the security of patient information and the cleanliness of some areas. Staff at all levels appeared to be working well as a team and were providing patients with a positive experience despite resourcing issues.
The areas of the service that we reviewed included the antenatal, labour, postnatal and post operative wards, as well as the midwife led birthing unit. Inspectors observed staff providing kind and respectful care to women and their families. When asked, almost all of the patients told our inspectors they had received a positive experience. The aesthetics of the wards were of a high-level offering light and spacious individual ensuite rooms with modern facilities. Pregnancy information was accessible and available in a range of different languages, and there was patient representation on a group used to drive improvement in maternity services.
Inspectors identified issues in relation to equipment checks and infection prevention and control, which required immediate action from the health board. These included some furniture, fixtures and fittings in two rooms for care and treatment which were observed to be visibly soiled. Daily checks of essential resuscitative equipment were not always recorded. Routine temperature checks of medicines fridges were not always signed and checked. Our assurance work also found insufficient management and security of some confidential patient information. The health board must ensure policies and procedures are reviewed immediately to rectify the issues.
The service could also improve by increasing the availability of birthing pools within the unit and post-natal bed capacity to improve the patient’s journey within the hospital. Inspectors also noted the health board should review its visiting arrangement procedures and communicate timings with families more effectively.
A suitable management structure was in place with clear lines of reporting and accountability. Generally, staff responses were positive regarding management, teamwork and the actions taken by the organisation in relation to their health and wellbeing. However, survey responses indicated improvement was needed around staffing levels on the unit. The health board must recruit into vacant roles to alleviate pressure on staff. We also identified improvement was needed in relation to compliance with some mandatory training including key clinical skills.
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales Chief Executive Alun Jones said:
‘Our work has highlighted the commitment of staff in delivering a high-quality maternity service to expectant mothers and their families within The Grange University Hospital. Some immediate improvements were identified during our inspection, and I hope this report will accelerate Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to take action. We will be working with the health board to ensure these improvements are made and evidenced.’