UHDB have invested in telemetry, a wireless monitoring device used during labour to continuously monitor a baby’s heart rate. Traditionally clinicians rely on cardiotocography (CTG) belts, but these require use of straps that aren’t waterproof and aren’t suitable for water births.
The benefit of using telemetry is that people in labour can be more mobile and use a birthing pool while still performing safe monitoring of the fetal heart. Telemetry devices are used at Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Hospital Burton.
Jane Harrington, Fetal Monitoring Lead Midwife at UHDB comments that "this is really good news for those coming to UHDB to have their baby and it means that even if pregnant people require continuous fetal heart monitoring, they have options and can develop a birth plan that is personalised to them".
This is just one of the pleasing changes that has been made across UHDB’s maternity and neonatal services to improve safety and experience for patients in pregnancy and labour.
Our specialist maternity team
At Browne Jacobson, we are committed to supporting NHS Trusts and health care organisations with delivering on their strategy to improve maternity outcomes. Please do get in touch to discuss how our specialist maternity team may be able to help.
For more resources and to learn about our specialist team, visit our maternity resources hub.
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