Our Departmental Features are being run monthly, up to our Employee Recognition Week (February 26 to March 3, 2023). This initiative aligns with our Hospital’s strategic priority of Staff Experience, by recognizing and celebrating the work that our staff are doing every day. To see past Departments of the Month, please visit the Employee Recognition Week page of the intranet. This month we are looking at the Maternal Newborn/Labour & Delivery department.
As the only level 2C centre in Northwestern Ontario, TBRHSC’s Labour & Delivery department offers 24/7 labour augmentation (when indicated), continuous external fetal monitoring and timely access to caesarean sections. We receive many clinically complex referrals, both locally and from our regional partners. Despite the workload and complexity, we have exceeded the provincial vaginal birth rate for the past 10 years straight. Our Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Quality Standard data shows our team has also achieved an 86% success rate, and we are currently the highest ranked Ontario Health region in the province for exclusive breastfeeding from birth to discharge.
During the pandemic chaos, our staff continued to support our birthing parents during one of their most meaningful yet vulnerable life transitions. At a time when birthing without an essential care partner was the new normal, our staff, professional staff and leadership all maintained a compassionate approach to ensure our birthing patients were supported throughout and had a loved one by their side. The care and dedication of our nursing staff, midwives and physicians is what contributed to this accomplishment.
Staff that work in these areas have a passion for Women’s Health. They strive to serve their patients and go above and beyond the call. They continually put the safety of the department first and in doing so also take care of one another. Whether it is the comradery seen on the floor, or the birthday and/or retirement messages that beautify the Maternal Newborn nursing station glass, we are all a family.
As quoted from a staff member, “It’s amazing that I still love what I do, after all these years – we have a great team here!”
Fun fact: Obstetrical services at TBRHSC have seen an incredible 1,196 births so far this year.
