Facilitating partners to stay overnight in four bedded bays on the Maternity Ward

Quality Improvement Poster Download

Background & Problems

Maternity Ward is a 46 bedded ward, of which 28 beds are in 4 bedded bays. Patients are both antenatal and postnatal. Partners have been welcome to visit between 0900-2100 and then asked to leave overnight. This had caused many complaints from patients who were left alone at a vulnerable and emotional time. A survey of women’s opinions showed a clear request for partners to be allowed to remain on the ward 24 hours a day. The project has been carried out by Kerrie and Sam, two senior core midwives, with the support of the Ward Manager, Matron, and the Better Births Team.

Aim

To increase the percentage of women scoring 8 or above on a satisfaction scale to 50% by December 2018.

Method

An initial patient questionnaire and separate staff questionnaire were performed and analysed to determine preferences. It was clear from this that patients wanted 24 hour partner access. We visited two other units currently offering this service to learn from their experiences. We consulted the fire officer for permission to continue. We confirmed permission for the project with the Chief Nurse. We produced contracts, leaflets and posters introducing the project. We have been unable to measure any change in satisfaction score as the project is not yet launched, however we will undertake surveys to determine patient satisfaction following implementation.

Results

Visiting times were changed to reflect the wishes of the patients, despite staff resistance.

Implications

We have learnt that the opinions of patients are paramount, and despite staff reluctance, we believe this project will benefit patients and give them an overall better experience.