Abstract
Introduction and background: Maternal and neonatal statistics revealed that most of complications leading to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality can be avoided if the primary healthcare system is strengthened, and close monitoring with prompt management is offered to all high risk pregnancies and post-delivery. At a level 2 District Hospital situated at UThukela District, the nursing personnel screens all patients entering the maternity department to identify high risk cases. These cases are then referred to a dedicated doctor for further management.
Purpose: The purpose is to establish a High Care Ward to provide close monitoring and prompt treatment to all high risk women during pregnancy, labour, delivery and post-delivery at the hospital. It further strives to identify relevant nursing procedures and review protocols for managing high risk pregnancies.
Methodology: Meetings were conducted with the hospital management in consultation with nurses and doctors to address the need for a high care ward in the maternity department. The high care ward was established in the maternity ward and started functioning in November 2016. A weekly programme was established to improve staff knowledge and skills in monitoring closely and managing obstetrical emergencies, including drills, audits and death reviews.
Outcome: Staff's knowledge and confidence is gradually improving. An adverse event committee was established and this committee meets on a monthly basis. There has been a noticeable improvement to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. There is a need for further improvement in specialised equipment and skills to maximise the high care ward's utilization.
Conclusion: Through a team effort, careful negotiations and a plea to be included in the budget, a high care ward was established in November 2016. Statistics reveal a noticeable improvement, but more specialised equipment and skills are still needed to maximise its utilization.
Recommendations: It is recommends that the service continues and is improved on, staff training is strengthened and that services such as family planning is added.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Maternal-Child Health, Nurse Leadership, Maternal-Child Health, Leadership, Africa, NICU
Recommended Citation
Kheswa, Brassby Thando; Zondi, Sbongile Bongiwe; and Adams, Carol, "The establishment of a high care ward in maternity department of a district hospital" (2018). Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership - Africa. 8.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/mchnla/2017/posters/8
Conference Name
Chi Xi at-Large Chapter First Biennial Conference Swaziland
Conference Host
Chi Xi at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Exulwini Valley, Lobamba, Swaziland
Conference Year
2017
Rights Holder
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Review Type
Faculty/Mentor Approved: Sigma Academy Participant Poster
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
The establishment of a high care ward in maternity department of a district hospital
Exulwini Valley, Lobamba, Swaziland
Introduction and background: Maternal and neonatal statistics revealed that most of complications leading to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality can be avoided if the primary healthcare system is strengthened, and close monitoring with prompt management is offered to all high risk pregnancies and post-delivery. At a level 2 District Hospital situated at UThukela District, the nursing personnel screens all patients entering the maternity department to identify high risk cases. These cases are then referred to a dedicated doctor for further management.
Purpose: The purpose is to establish a High Care Ward to provide close monitoring and prompt treatment to all high risk women during pregnancy, labour, delivery and post-delivery at the hospital. It further strives to identify relevant nursing procedures and review protocols for managing high risk pregnancies.
Methodology: Meetings were conducted with the hospital management in consultation with nurses and doctors to address the need for a high care ward in the maternity department. The high care ward was established in the maternity ward and started functioning in November 2016. A weekly programme was established to improve staff knowledge and skills in monitoring closely and managing obstetrical emergencies, including drills, audits and death reviews.
Outcome: Staff's knowledge and confidence is gradually improving. An adverse event committee was established and this committee meets on a monthly basis. There has been a noticeable improvement to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. There is a need for further improvement in specialised equipment and skills to maximise the high care ward's utilization.
Conclusion: Through a team effort, careful negotiations and a plea to be included in the budget, a high care ward was established in November 2016. Statistics reveal a noticeable improvement, but more specialised equipment and skills are still needed to maximise its utilization.
Recommendations: It is recommends that the service continues and is improved on, staff training is strengthened and that services such as family planning is added.
Description
This poster is the summation of a project undertaken as part of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy (2016-2017 cohort).