Swansea: Singleton birth unit improves but has challenges – report

The unit at Singleton Hospital is one of the biggest in Wales with about 3,200 births each year.

A visit by HIW in April found staffing levels and leadership had improved since a previous inspection last September.

The inspectors observed staff providing “kind and respectful” care to patients and their families and, in general, arrangements were in place to provide patients with safe and effective care.

At the time of the inspection HIW found that staffing levels for midwifery and medical staff had been “appropriate”.

However, they found some concerns had not been sufficiently addressed, including those that could be a risk to patient safety.

“During the inspection, staff shared their concerns for patient care due to the increased use of agency staff, and a lack of appropriate skill mix within the unit,” the report said.

It added that “immediate assurance” was sought following concerns around the hospital’s antenatal assessment unit due to low staffing levels.

Midwifery staff also told inspectors “they did not always have access to essential medical equipment to provide sufficient care to patients”.

A staff survey also revealed that 32 of 62 members said they would be happy with the care provided if they were patients.

HIW said it has “continued to work closely with the health board since the inspection and has received a “comprehensive improvement plan”.