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.
In this situation, I would make sure that i have heard Sarah request about a video call and can arranged another video call from another hospital. I will also reassure Sarah that i have listened to Sarah request, and also explain that I have other patient that i need to see and provide a duty of care for everyone. Once i have finished with the thing i need to do with other patients, I will then looked into the request as it is hard for a new mother being away from her newborn child, especially his newborn being unwell and in the different hospital. I will then make sure that a phone call to the other hospital to see if this is possible, as you know this is a difficult situation and must be hard for Sarah and will be requesting to provide an up to date information on newborn baby Theo.
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.
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.
I will be 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. Agree to have a chat with her and the ward manager about how you can facilitate more contact with Baby Theo to ensure they are bonding as much as possible. By doing this, it will maintain Sarah’s safety, prevent harm and keep both Sarah’s and Theo’s best interest at the centre of the care provided.
