BACKGROUNDER
2005HSER0002-000015 Jan. 7, 2005	Ministry of Health Services
SUMMARY OF ACTION PLANS

In response to recommendations made in the Cochrane report, both government and Fraser Health  have taken steps to address patient concerns surrounding caesarean sections and head injuries. The two plans are categorized by:

1)  Local/regional responses (Fraser Health and Surrey Memorial Hospital).

2)  Provincewide improvement strategies.

 

Fraser Health and Surrey Memorial Hospital Actions

1)      Clinical and Patient Policy

• New policies and protocols are now in effect in the emergency department and the family birthing unit.

·        Strategies to improve patient flow through the emergency department have been strengthened and new ones initiated.

·        The possibility of expediting the capital redevelopment of the emergency department is under consideration by the Fraser Health Board.

·        Best practices have been implemented for antibiotic use and skin preparation in the family birthing unit.

• The recently announced Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS), which will allow electronic sharing of imaging files between institutions in Fraser Health, will be operating by March 2005. 

 

2) Health Professionals

·        Additional advanced practice nurses for the family birthing unit will be made available.

·        Recruitment is underway for an additional obstetrician and emergency triage nurses.

·        An external review be established to advise on strengthening neurology services in Surrey Memorial Hospital.

 

 3) Reporting, Monitoring and Patient Safety

·        A strengthened process for sharing reports on quality care across the departments, institutions and medical advisory committees of Fraser Health is being implemented.

·        A revised quality improvement structure and reporting process is being implemented at Surrey.

·        Post-operative maternity surgical infections occurring after discharge from hospital will be reported in a consistent manner.

·        All C-Section patients now receive a caesarean section incision care pamphlet to help them identify problems with their wounds after hospital discharge.

• Community nurses will receive additional education in obstetrical wound assessment and incision care. 
• The Fraser Health complaints management policy and process is being enhanced with broader communication of the Hotline number as well as other patient feedback mechanisms.

  

Provincewide Actions

1) Infection Control

• A Provincial Infection Control Network will be established under the BC Centre for Disease Control to:

-         Provide advice and strategies on infection control policies, procedures, and issues in hospitals, residential facilities and the community.

-         Standardize reporting and tracking of hospital acquired infections across the province.

 

2) Reporting and Monitoring of Obstetrical Complications:

• The BC Reproductive Care Program will establish a mechanism to incorporate into its database information related to post-natal complications in mothers and infants following discharge.

 

3) Emergency Department Standards

• The Provincial Critical Care Steering Committee will review the documentation practices and standards of care for patients in the emergency department.

 

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Media contact:	Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Health Services 250 952-1887
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