Keeping Services Safe

The maternity service is committed to keeping services safe by the management of clinical and non clinical risks, and will take all reasonable steps to avoid, reduce and manage risks, by using a proactive approach by members of the team.

The Risk Management Strategy aims to promote a culture which values risk management, learn from experience, and is just and supportive of staff involved in risk management issues.

Maternity Services risk management strategy [343kb]

CNST

In view of the high proportion of the number and costs of claims emerging from maternity services in England, the National Health Service Litigation Authority (NHSLA) has developed the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) Maternity Standards.

Since the promotion of clinical risk management is an extremely important aspect of CNST, maternity services within Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust has adopted the standards set, in order to inform its practices aimed at improving patient care. As a result, the maternity services are assessed against these standards every two years, the next assessment due in 2008.

Complaints

Complaints are being dealt with by a dedicated senior team, and managed in conjunction with the Trust’s policy for complaints. While we encourage women and their families to comment on the services provided, as this can only assist us in improving care, we have found it most beneficial to hold face to face meetings when a complaint has arisen.

Our primary concern is the provision of safe, risk free environment, and to embrace a philosophy of continuous improvement in order to achieve a centre of excellence for the public and staff.