The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has launched a new symptom-specific maternity triage system.
This is the Birmingham Symptom-specific Obstetric Triage System (BSOTS).
The new assessment system, which is being rolled out nationally, will boost high levels of patient safety and patient experience.
From Monday 04 March, the plan is to enable a consistent approach to the prioritisation of care for women, pregnant people and babies appropriate to their personal, clinical needs.
The Birmingham Symptom-specific Obstetric Triage System (BSOTS)
BSOTS provides a framework for the standardised and timely assessment of women presenting at maternity triage.
The system aims to enhance communication, patient safety and patient experience.
The system was originally developed by researchers and clinicians from Birmingham Women’s Hospital and the University of Birmingham.
Other hospitals that have already adopted the system have seen immediate benefits of improved communication
Following the successful implementation, it is gradually being adopted by maternity services across the UK with over 50 hospitals having now implemented it.
Sarah Harvey-Hurst, Maternity Matron, added: “Other hospitals that have already adopted the system have seen immediate benefits of improved communication, clearer assessment criteria and developing a shared language between clinicians, making it easier for us to provide the level of care and experience our patients have come to expect.”
Josie Dodgson, Maternity Matron for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “By standardising triage and care among clinicians, other hospitals that have adopted the system have seen real benefits to the level of safe and effective care they were already providing for mothers and babies.”
