High demand puts strain on neonatal unit
SINGLETON Hospital’s neonatal unit was so swamped with mumsto-be that vital services at the department had to be limited.
Health bosses denied it was the case that the labour ward had to be closed on Thursday, September 17 but admitted the service was placed under pressure due to high demand at the Swansea site.
Five women had to be transferred to other units for their care because of the situation and another five had to have their inductions delayed.
But Susan Jose, deputy head of midwifery at Swansea Bay Health Board, said the problems had now eased and they were able to take in mums again.
She said: “As is usual practice within maternity and neonatal services, clinical decisions in relation to place of birth takes place daily to ensure the safety of women and babies.
“The labour ward did not close last Thursday. However, the neonatal unit was exceptionally busy with limited availability of intensive care and high dependency cots.
“As a result, women less than 37 weeks pregnant who presented to the maternity unit were assessed by the multidisciplinary team and decisions made as to the safest place to care for both mother and baby.
“They would have been transferred if clinically appropriate.”
She added: “Five women were transferred to other units for care, in line with the South Wales programme to manage neonatal cots across the region.
“Although we cannot comment on specific cases, there can be blue light transfers at any time if clinically necessary.
“A further five women had their inductions delayed. They were not in labour and the babies were constantly monitored on the antenatal ward to ensure their wellbeing. All five have since given birth safely and four have been discharged home to the care of community midwives.
“The situation has since eased and we are open to intake again.”