A trust asked RCOG to help improve joint working and the interpersonal relationships between a wide range of staff including Trust executives, obstetricians and midwives.
Following a site visit and interviews with all grades of staff, the assessors were reassured by the Medical and Nursing Directors’ insight into these issues. However, they confirmed that poor inter-professional relationships and the lack of effective working between teams was indeed a significant weakness in the working of the unit.
Recommendations
The assessors recommended that the Trust:
- Create a vision and plan for immediate change and long-term service redesign
- Create a structure to allow for multidisciplinary input into the management of the unit and to provide assurance on good governance to the Board
- Seek external facilitation to overcome the barriers between groups of staff and silo working