Guernsey hospital director 'eases baby deaths risk'

The island's health authorities have agreed to create three senior positions

Doctors say the appointment of a medical director to lead Guernsey's hospital will help avoid further deaths in maternity services.

The Health and Social Services Department's board members resigned after the death of a newborn baby this year.

A review by the Nursing and Midwifery Council said it had "deep concerns" about midwifery supervision.

The Health Department is seeking a medical director for the first time.

Hospital failures

It is also seeking a clinical director of maternity services and a clinical director of governance.

Dr Brian Parkin, from the British Medical Association, said: "Hospital failures have often been caused because there has not been a proper partnership between management and clinicians.

"A truly independent medical director would have a role in avoiding those problems occurring."

The hospital has also implemented a number of changes following the death:

• Four midwives on every shift compared to three

• An additional midwifery clinical lead is being recruited, which will mean six working on the maternity ward at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital

• A supervisor of midwifery will be recruited for six months with 24/7 supervisory support from Jersey

• The working patterns of obstetricians have been changed on a trial basis and will be subject to ongoing review

• Changes to the procedure for approving medicines to be administered during labour