‘Maternity services at Guy’s and St Thomas’ sign RCM’s Caring For You Charter’
By RCM on 03 May 2017 RCM Caring For You campaign Midwives Women
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has become the latest trust with maternity services in London to sign RCM’s Caring For You Charter.
The Charter aims to improve services for women and babies by improving the wellbeing of staff, and is one of the cornerstones of the RCM Caring for You campaign.
Launched in June 2016, the RCM Caring for You campaign is encouraging all trusts across the UK to sign up to its campaign Charter.
Signing the Charter means trusts commit to working with the RCM’s health and safety representatives to improve the health, safety and wellbeing at work of midwives, student midwives and maternity support workers. They in turn will be able to provide even better care for women, babies and their families.
Commenting RCM’s Regional Officer for London, Francine Allen said: “A commitment to improving maternity staff’s health, safety and wellbeing at work is also a commitment to women and their babies and it’s fantastic that the maternity services at Guy’s and St Thomas’ have signed charter. We know that well cared for and healthy maternity staff can provide the highest quality of care to women and their families.
“The charter includes commitments to make sure that members of staff are taking adequate rest breaks as well as staying properly hydrated during their shifts. There is also a strong focus on fostering a positive working environment."
Lynne Pacanowski, Director of Midwifery at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust says; “ We know that the best care is provided by staff who are well cared for themselves. We are therefore delighted to be a part of the RCM’s Caring for You campaign, the principles and ambitions of which perfectly reflect those of Guy’s and St Thomas’ 'Showing we care' ethos and our new ‘HALT – take a break’ initiative.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ launched its ‘HALT – take a break’ initiative in March this year to encourage staff to take frequent breaks and improve their health and wellbeing.
The HALT (Hungry, Angry, Late, Tired) campaign makes staff aware that taking enough breaks can also help them to provide the highest standard of patient care, by putting them in a position to make the best decisions for patients.
Staff throughout the Trust is being asked to plan their own breaks during the work day, and managers and team leaders are being encouraged to lead by example in order to create a “take a break” culture.
Dame Eileen Sills, Chief Nurse at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “Taking a break gives our staff the chance to take a breather and to replenish energy levels by eating or having a drink, physically resting or taking a mental break.
“As well as being important for staff health and wellbeing, taking breaks is also important for patients as it allows staff to make the best possible decisions for our patients.”
To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456 or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.
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Notes to editors
The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.