Enter and view: Wrekin Unit The Princess Royal Hospital, Shropshire

Aim: To assess the levels of confidence in maternity services and care following the Maternity Services review and reconfiguration. The visit was semi – announced with notification that a visit would take place within a certain timeframe but not the date and time of the visit.

We were looking at maternity services pre and post birth. We spoke to two patients in the post-natal bays and three patients in the ante-natal clinic as well as two patients in the Day Assessment Unit. We also talked to the two midwives on duty on the MLU.

All the patients we spoke to thought that the MLU had a calm, quiet and homely atmosphere. Most patients appreciated the comprehensive information pack, though one patient fount it easier to be told, rather than read, information. We were told by patients that most of the anti – natal and post – natal support provided by staff was good or very good. Patients also told us that waiting times for most appointments were minimal. All patients agreed that their privacy and dignity were respected by all staff. MLU staff said they had appropriate training, alongside staff from the CLU and other MLUs. Rotation of staff ensures that all staff are kept up - to - date. Staff were able to use an interpreting service and were able to meet the faith needs of patients.

Recommendations: Action is taken to reduce the waiting times for patients to see a consultant. More trained staff are provided to run Parentcraft classes.