Trust Board Febuary 2010 - Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals

SWBTB (2/10) 035 (a)
home birth would be the only option. Other men felt that a home birth would be too dangerous
and scary. One man shared his experience of a hospital birth “It is reassuring to have
Consultants around. My wife had complications and the Consultants were very professional and
helpful.”
Being Involved
There was a general view from men that they want to be included in their partners’ pregnancy,
during labour and at the birth. Some said it is important for people (men and women) to be
involved in decision making during labour and birth. Also, there were some strongly expressed
views by both fathers and young men at the two focus groups that men should not be ‘left out’
or ignored by maternity staff, or stigmatised. Young men in particular wanted to be able to stay
all day with their partner.
Suggestions
Men identified the need for counselling and/or follow up services for women after a
miscarriage or stillbirth. Young men identified the need for parent craft classes.
5.3 Responses by ethnic grouping
Responses from ethnic groups have been summarised to highlight where views appear specific
to that group. The general views across all responses have not been highlighted except where
they are particularly strongly expressed. They are presented in order of sample size and
questionnaire comments have been supplemented with focus group information where this can
be accurately attributed.
Issues of common concern across Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups included the need for
family to be able to visit easily to provide support to the pregnant woman/new mother; the
need to be consulted effectively on their own care, through an interpreter if necessary (“There
… needs to be better access to language interpreting services - particularly on labour wards and
in emergency maternity”); and the need for continuity of care – seeing the same professionals
for appointments and being familiar with the place where they will give birth – as this inspires
confidence and helps women and their families to feel they are in safe hands.
White British
50% of White British respondents chose Option 3
The majority of comments made on questionnaires reflect the key themes from the
consultation as a whole with people being opposed either to losing services from Sandwell
hospital or to moving services to City, chiefly because it is too far and difficult for patients and
visitors to get to.
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