Midwives make a splash!

21-Mar-2012

Midwifery staff at South London Healthcare NHS Trust participated in first class training last week, as well as contributing to the making of an educational DVD, in the emergency transfer of a woman out of a birth pool using the 'Silvalea' specialised sling.   

The trainer, Dianne Garland 'midwife expert' and the Silvalea team were delighted with the ideal environment afforded by the Princess Royal Oasis Birthing Unit which gave sufficient space and light for a highly effective training session, where around twelve midwives were able to observe and participate whilst filming took place. 

Silvalea Technical Support Manager, Amanda Jenkins, says “We learn a great deal from these sessions which we can then help midwives across the country to put into everyday Midwifery practice.  There are different emergency scenarios to work with, and we can see how our product can provide crucial and safe assistance at a time when every second counts. Many thanks to all the staff involved.” 

Elizabeth Anderson, Practice Development Midwife, says “The training was highly effective for all of us.   We have to be confident and competent in dealing with such rare, but real, emergencies and today’s event, and the filming of it, has helped us all.” 

SLHT has seen a major improvement in its maternity service in the past two years, with more than 70 new midwives recruited, a much better midwife to birth ratio and one of the best safety records in London.  The award winning Oasis Birth Centre at the Princess Royal hospital is to be replicated with a similar unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich.