Written Question · S2W-05564 · Session 2
Whether the Expert Group on Acute Maternity Services (EGAMS) technical reference report, that notes that maternity services should have on-…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Expert Group on Acute Maternity Services (EGAMS) technical reference report, that notes that maternity services should have on-site adult intensive care, will take precedence in maternity policy over EGAMS guidelines that state that specialist maternity units should have access to adult intensive care.
The answer
It is for NHS boards toassess the relative risks and ensure the provision of a safe, effective andhigh quality maternity service balancing risk and taking cognisance of existinginfrastructures, demographics and support mechanisms on a local and regionalbasis. The EGAMS report is a consensus view to advise health boards.
The definition of level IIcand level III maternity units is consistent across both reports including theissue of access to adult intensive care. The risk section of the technicalreport also makes reference to the recommendation in the Confidential Enquiryinto Maternal Deaths (CEMD 2001) regarding on-site adult intensive care inthese units. The expert group agreed that “accessto” adult intensive care was sufficient to provide clinical safety withthe provision of the right risk management, transport and supportinfrastructures. However the optimum arrangement would be co-location of adultintensive care facilities.
The definition of level IIcand level III maternity units is consistent across both reports including theissue of access to adult intensive care. The risk section of the technicalreport also makes reference to the recommendation in the Confidential Enquiryinto Maternal Deaths (CEMD 2001) regarding on-site adult intensive care inthese units. The expert group agreed that “accessto” adult intensive care was sufficient to provide clinical safety withthe provision of the right risk management, transport and supportinfrastructures. However the optimum arrangement would be co-location of adultintensive care facilities.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-05564 by reference.