Demand on maternity services whats going on? Closures as reported - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Demand on maternity services – what’s going on?

Closures as reported on 8 August 2017 2 2 The Royal College of Midwives | www.rcm.org.uk

NICE Safe Staffing Guidance 3 3 Almost HALF of NICE Safe midwifery staffing for maternity services maternity wards turn (NG4) mums-to-be away because they don't have enough beds or ‘Only consider service cancellations or closures as a last staff resort… Take into account the potential of cancellations The Mirror or closures to limit women's choice and to affect maternity service provision and the reputation of the organisation.’ The Royal College of Midwives | www.rcm.org.uk

The context of maternity care in England 4 4 Maternity is facing challenges like other parts of the NHS Increasing demand Austerity Recruitment & retention Cuts to public health = Birth rates are stable but Pay cap ‘false economy’ complexity is increasing Disillusionment and Local authority services Changes to practice, stress under pressure improving women’s experiences No more bursary – lose Use of costly agency our mature students? – staff The size of the maternity and uncertainty over EU workforce needs to midwives increase to meet demand The Royal College of Midwives | www.rcm.org.uk

The trend in midwife numbers 5 5 The number of midwives rose by only 79 WTE over Midwives in England (NHS Digital) the last year Monthly statistics 22,000 21,500 21,000 20,500 20,000 19,500 19,000 The Royal College of Midwives | www.rcm.org.uk

What’s happening in units? Explaining some IFS findings 6 6 Maternity Pathway Payment Tariff design hasn’t worked the way it was assumed Caesarean sections Closures more likely on rise with changing Thursdays & Fridays demographics With e-rostering and smart mapping of activity this shouldn’t happen… The Royal College of Midwives | www.rcm.org.uk

Taking demand & workforce planning seriously 7 7 Robust workforce planning tools: On the ground… NQB and NICE Safe Staffing • 20% of Trust Boards still Guidance; Birthrate Plus not reviewing midwifery • Boards must review staffing midwifery staffing annually • Boards accountable for using • 50% Trusts who have NICE-endorsed tools such as reviewed report staffing BR+ levels deemed safe or in • Boards are accountable for line with NICE ensuring all prof guidance is used • Heads of Midwifery rarely • Organisations should present at Board meetings investigate staffing related where midwifery staffing is incidents discussed The Royal College of Midwives | www.rcm.org.uk

For further information Website: www.rcm.org.uk Telephone: 0300 303 0444 Email: info@rcm.org.uk www.facebook.com/midwivesRCM @MidwivesRCM