Mums-to-be who require an induced labour will soon be offered a new induction of labour service, performed as an outpatient service.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust will be introducing its new ‘mechanical induction of labour’ service on Tuesday 7 May for pregnant women at 41 weeks or those who need an induced labour for other clinical reasons.
The new process induces labour by a process called cervical ripening. Any woman opting for this procedure will provided with the information and advice, including an electronic leaflet.
Gentle
Senior Clinical Matron Hannah Matthews said: “Despite its name, mechanical induction of labour is a very gentle process.
“Research shows this process increases patient satisfaction by offering more choice and reducing the length of a hospital stay.
“It also reduces invasive examinations and improves the labour experience for women.”
The introduction of this new service follows the advice of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Benefits
Danielle Stephens, Quality, Safety and Innovation Lead for Maternity, Paediatric and Pharmacy services, commented: “The new process also brings benefits to the Trust. It saves time and costs, meaning those resources can be diverted to other women who need our support.
“We’ve looked into our records and have learned that 96% of women under our care who were induced over the last year would have been suitable for outpatient induction of labour.
“Going forward, we’re confident that this new service will benefit lots of women.”
International Day of the Midwife
Hannah continued: “Sunday 5 May is the International Day of the Midwife so I’m even more thrilled that we are introducing this new service so close to the day when the spotlight is firmly on those in my profession.
“Being a midwife isn’t a job, it’s a way of life. Being a midwife isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am.
“Midwifery is a challenge but it’s never boring. We get to develop new services like the outpatient induction of labour, train new staff and we’re always looking at how we can improve everything we do. We’re trusted to be leaders in our right.
“No two days are the same and we get to play a huge role in the life of the women under our care – we bring their babies into the world!”
The Royal College of Midwifery website includes information about becoming a midwife.