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Gallagher welcomes RQIA recommendations for Erne maternity services

SDLP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tommy Gallagher has said recommendations from the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) for the Erne Hospital must be completed immediately to ensure the high quality of care is continued.

Tue 11th May

Mr Gallagher made particular reference to the immediate need for the identification of a lead obstetric anaesthetist at the Erne Hospital.

 

He said: “I firstly want to commend the professional and dedicated staff at the maternity unit. I welcome the recommendations from RQIA to the Western Trust as they seek to maintain the high levels of health care in our area.

 

“It’s essential that a lead obstetric anaesthetist is quickly identified and put in place at the Erne Hospital’s labour ward without delay. It’s not best practice to have an obstetric anaesthetist potentially not available for all expectant mothers, many of whom are first-time mothers and others are those who may have complications or experiencing a difficult birth. These are variables the Erne Hospital cannot control. What it can control is the continuing level of care and service for every pregnancy that comes through its door.

 

“I also believe its best practice for the Western Trust to implement new arrangements for quarterly risk management meetings without delay. Staff should be facilitated at these meetings as risk management is everybody’s priority from top to bottom. Risk management meetings are essential in identification and prevention. That means that the Trust itself can become its own best critic and regularly facilitate its own improvement.

 

“Furthermore, the level of competency in spoken English with Western Trust staff is of critical importance. This will ensure that young mothers in particular are happy that all the information is relayed to them as quickly and as succinctly as possible. This, however, is no slight on the excellent level of care provided by people whose first language is not English at the Erne Hospital.

 

“Other recommendations, such as a clear policy on the wearing of identification, help create an environment where all mothers and families feel at their utmost ease during their stay at the Erne.

 

“The Erne Hospital and its local staff have an excellent reputation. I’m sure these recommendations, when implemented, will serve to increase the good name of healthcare in the Fermanagh area.”

 

ENDS

11.5.10

Further information: Tommy Gallagher MLA 07775666367

Or SDLP Press Office 028 9052 1364

Bí linn ar leas na hÉireann - www.sdlp.ie

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