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(00:00) Nurse Sarah Stephenson says the Unit tries to maintain the same staff looking after a family, as it is very hard for the parents to deal with constantly changing staff.
(00:54) Dr Nicholas Embleton appreciates how difficult it is for parents to deal with staff changes, so it is the responsibility of staff to look after staff handovers.
(02:34) Dr Janette Berrington mentions that one staff member may lead in each case to keep continuity despite staff changes. When babies come from other hospitals, it complicates matters for the parents. The best one can do is to share the information to the parent, making the effort transparent.
(05:18) Dr Jen Dixon adds that when previous hospitals make a mistake and it falls upon the current hospital to inform the parent about this.
(06:11) Nurse Sarah Stephenson says parents have access to the medical notes. And they appreciate when you are honest in providing them the good and the bad news.
(06:57) Nurse Jane Couch describes how the Butterfly sticker on the cot and in the notes helps in being transparent and informing staff about the twin loss of the family while acknowledging the twin status of baby.
(08:48) Dr Jen Dixon adds that the Butterfly stickers are really helpful in identifying the surviving twin babies on the wards, and at follow up sessions.
Guidelines: 6. Provide Continuity
- Parents appreciate continuity and familiar faces
- Be aware of challenges when families are transferred between wards, hospitals and departments
- Parents find it painful to have to retell different individuals about their loss
- Ensure that you have appropriate information before approaching parents
- Be clear about the names of both the surviving twin and any babies who died
As neonatal units get bigger with more staff, it’s more challenging to provide continuity.
The Butterfly sticker acknowledges the twin that has died without having to say anything.
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