Fifteen steps for maternity at Kettering general hospital

Healthwatch Northamptonshire visited Kettering General Hospital Maternity services in March 2019 as part of a series of '15 Steps Maternity' visits. The Healthwatch volunteers visited the Fetal Health Unit, Scanning Area, Delivery Suite and the Rowan Ward (Antenatal and Postnatal Ward).

The report found that for outpatients, the seating area for was for both gynaecology and maternity patients, which is logical for staff provision but can be upsetting for some patients. The Fetal Health Unit offered a lot of information about a range of topics, although, they were lacking in LGBTQ and learning disabilities information/posters. There were rooms available to use if privacy was needed for discussion, either an empty treatment room or a special room named 'quiet room.' In the labour ward, the environment was clean and diverse information was offered, however, staff were in multiple different uniforms which was confusing. The Bereavement Suite was beautifully decorated and the garden attached was private and confidential, so parents could have a quiet reflective moment to remember or be with their baby. The report highlighted areas of good practice, such as evidence of language diversity with information offered in 5 different languages, staff were friendly, positive and were able to explain how their aspirations are in line with national guidelines, and the 'Listen to me' campaign is a good way for patients to feel heard.

Recommendations were made including that diversity can be reflected more with different family forms in pictures/posters; name badges should be clearly displayed and the number of uniforms used by staff can be simplified. 

Kettering General Hospital responded positively and described the changes being made as a result of the report.