Q1: Sarah asks you if she can see her baby again. You kindly arranged a video call an hour ago as Baby Theo is still in another hospital.
What would you do?
Let Sarah know that you have heard her request and you will get back to her once you have finished helping all the other patients.
In this way, I’ve acknowledged Sarah (rather than dismissing her because she’s just recently had a video call), and I’ve said that I will get back to her. At the same time, it’s impossible to immediately respond to one patient’s requests, so I think it’s reasonable to explain gently that I need to check in on other patients first. But I would add – whatever is said to Sarah at this point should be in a kind and compassionate tone of voice with open body language, rather than bluntly or grumpily. I’d say that I’ll try to look into her request as soon as possible.
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.
What would you do?
Ask Sarah if you can come into the bed space and offer to support her. Listen to her concerns and put a plan of action in place for how her concerns can be better managed.
I think it’s important to respond to Sarah’s crying, even though she hasn’t pressed the call button. It’s showing compassion and care to offer a listening ear and support, and also shows respect and maintains her dignity by seeking consent. I’d close the curtains during any discussion, to maintain privacy.
Q3: Sarah calls you over and informs you that she is going to self-discharge and go to see her baby at the local hospital.
What would you do?
Explain to Sarah that it would not be in her best interests to leave the hospital at the moment due to her current medication, post-operative condition and health.
I stated more about this in my response above. Think it’s crucial that Sarah has the correct information about the impact her decision to leave early may have.
