‘Conversation cafes’ were held where those that attended gave their honest and open views and opinions on their experiences and what they would like to see changed or done differently in the future. The feedback, which is now being reviewed to make further improvements from the event was gathered in various different ways from notes written on table cloths and feedback forms, to a ‘Wall of Conversation’ that was produced by a graphic illustrator as people were talking.
Themes that were identified on the day included:
- Improving mental health support for mums
- Better bereavement support for families
- Involving dads more in the whole pregnancy and birth experience
- Working closer with families to help them understand their choices so they can make an informed decision
- Improving communications and joint working between health professionals
- Ensuring the Trust is always honest and listens to families
- Increasing public confidence in the hospital, so the public can be sure of the high standards of care and knowledgeable, support staff
- Making sure staff spend time with families, support them properly and build trusting relationships
- Improving the information given to women and families
Sue Smith, Executive Chief Nurse, UHMBT, said “This event was a real first for us as a Trust in terms of our maternity services, as it was the first time we have truly opened our doors and invited the public in to tell us what they think and what they want to see in the future. We are really pleased that so many mums, dads, families and friends, took the time to come and talk to us and have their say. Not only did they let us know that we were on the right track with some of the work we are doing by telling us that it was important to them too, they also gave us some real food for thought on other areas where we can make our services even better for local women and families.”
Members of the public who attended the event were also given an exclusive look at how the new Women and Children’s Unit at Furness General Hospital might look in the future, and asked for their thoughts on the design and also, any suggestions about what would be important to them if they were to use the new unit. The Trust’s Estates team is now considering this feedback, and the feedback from staff, to inform their final plans.
A special short video of the event has been produced which includes comments from UHMBT staff and members of the public who attended. The video includes first hand experiences from members of the public, including Adam from Kendal who sadly lost a child in 2013 and has since had another baby; and Cathy from Barrow who had mixed experiences when she had both of her children. The video is available to view on the Trust website at http://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/media-centre/uhmb-tv.