Q2: Sarah is still on the ward away from her newborn baby. As you walk past you can see that the curtains around the bed space are closed and you can hear crying. No other staff are around.
I would seek consent from Sarah to enter into the bed space and offer to support her. I would ask if now was a good time to speak with her as I can see she is upset and also offer to make a call to family or a friend with the view that she may prefer support from them. If Sarah was happy to talk I would actively listen to her concerns and offer to see how the care plan could be adjusted to better manage her concerns. I would reiterate the support that is available in hospital and from partner agencies. If there was another patient on the ward in the same position I would discuss with the nurse in charge if it would be appropriate to offer an introduction (with consent from both parties). I would document and hand over to other staff that Sarah appeared upset and what the outcome of my interaction was.
