Safety Pause in the Maternity Unit

A positive proactive approach which allows us to address any safety challenges that might occur in everyday practice within the maternity unit.

Introduction

A Safety Pause in a maternity ward is a deliberate pause in the workflow to ensure safety protocols are followed .This should be held on each shift mid-way through the day or night and should last 5- 10 minutes. Additionally a pause can be initiated at anytime if it is felt that there are safety challenges within the ward areas. This pause should be separate from main handovers at the start or end of a shift. This should be facilitated by the midwife in charge of the ward and all members of the multi-disciplinary team are invited. The Safety Pause should be completed using positive and neutral language. The Safety Pause should be documented on the Safety Pause template this should be stored in the folder in each area.

Purpose

Prevent Errors:

Safety pauses provide a moment to check that all necessary steps are being taken, reducing the risk of overlooking crucial actions.

Improve Communication:

They allow for clear communication and confirmation of understanding among staff, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Enhance Teamwork:

Safety pauses can foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration, as staff members work together to ensure safety.

Promote Learning:

By pausing and reflecting on the situation, staff can learn from potential errors or close calls, improving future safety performance.

Reduce Incivility:

Promoting a more respectful and supportive environment.

1. Stopping the workflow:Everyone stops and takes a brief break.
2. Checking safety checks:Confirm that all necessary checks have been made, including patient identification, medication dosages, and equipment readiness.
3. Communication:Clear communication among staff about the next steps.
4. Resuming workflow:Proceed with the task once all safety checks have been completed.

Benefits of Safety Pause:

Reduced errors:

By taking a moment to pause, staff can avoid mistakes that might lead to harm.

Improved safety:

Safety pauses help create a safer environment for both mothers and babies.

Enhanced patient experience:

When staff are focused and aware of safety protocols, patients receive better care.

Stronger safety culture:

Safety pauses contribute to a culture where safety is prioritized and discussed openly. 

Safety Pause

The Safety Pause can be initiated at any time but should happen each shift around

2 pm/2am. This should involve all staff in ward area, midwifery, maternity care assistants, healthcare support workers and medical staff if present.

The Safety Pause paper template is available in each ward area  and can be found in the Labour Ward file under ward documents on the computer system.

Each area of the Safety Pause (Appendix 1) should be complete with detail by the person leading the safety pause. Staff members should attend the safety pause with MEWs charts that they are currently using, any outstanding CTG reviews and discuss any safety needs they might have.