Maternity Services at Singleton Hospital Show Improvement, but Issues Persist
Midwifery staff expressed concerns about access to essential medical equipment
The Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has released a report following an inspection of the maternity unit at Singleton Hospital in Swansea.
This comes after a previous inspection in September last year, which identified several patient safety concerns, prompting an immediate improvement notice to Swansea Bay University Health Board.
The follow-up inspection in April 2024, conducted over three consecutive days, revealed significant improvements in the service.
However, challenges remain, particularly in the Antenatal Assessment Unit, where safe staffing levels continue to be a concern.
Inspectors noted that while staff are dedicated to providing a positive experience for women and their families, the increased use of agency staff and a lack of appropriate skill mix within the unit are problematic.
The inspection also highlighted issues such as insufficient medical equipment, inadequacies in resuscitative equipment checks, and staffing levels in the Transitional Care Unit not meeting British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) guidelines.
Midwifery staff expressed concerns about access to essential medical equipment, a sentiment echoed in a staff survey where only half of respondents felt they had adequate equipment.
Despite some issues being swiftly resolved during the inspection, inspectors found that more comprehensive changes are necessary.
Alun Jones, Chief Executive of HIW, said: "Our work has highlighted sustained challenges within the maternity services at Swansea Bay University Health Board.
"Whilst improvements were identified during our return inspection, further action is required.
"I hope this report will accelerate the measures taken to drive forward timely improvements not only for patients but for staff within the maternity unit."
HIW will continue to work closely with the health board to ensure robust improvements are made and evidenced.