CHFT has been at the forefront of some very important work to improving the birth experience for our mums.

We have been one of 16 Trusts taking part in a pilot to reduce numbers of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI) an injury which can occur during vaginal birth.

Cases of OASI have been increasing in the UK  so experts from  the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in collaboration with the Royal College of Midwives developed a  pilot project called ‘OASI care bundle’ -  several evidence-based interventions with a view to reducing numbers.

CHFT is the only unit within the region to use this care bundle.  The local champions for implementing the OASI programme by training all midwifery and obstetric staff in CHFT  are midwife Rachel Clifford, midwife Sarah Goddard and Consultant Mr Ranadeb Acharyya.

Mr Acharyya, said: “ There has been great enthusiasm in learning and implementing the care bundle amongst the staff since the launch of the programme in May. This was evident when the project leads  from the Royal college came  on a site visit last month. (June) After observing several sessions of training during the day, they  were extremely happy with the progress made with the training programme (‘fantastic’ according to one of them), and appreciated  the  ‘good energy’ which they felt in the unit.”

Staff at CHFT  feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be at the forefront of the project as, since implementation, of the care bundle there has been a  significant reduction in our own OASI rates.

Rachel and Sarah said: “ This is a great achievement, which we are very proud of and even more so as this is only the start!”