Royal Cornwall Hospital to Launch New Triage System for Maternity Services

Royal Cornwall Hospital’s maternity services are set to introduce a groundbreaking triage system on March 4th, 2024, aimed at enhancing the care for expectant mothers and their babies. Modeled after the emergency department’s approach, this new system is designed to prioritise care based on clinical needs, ensuring the safety and well-being of both mother and child.

The newly adopted BSOTS (Birmingham Symptom-specific Obstetric Triage System) triage system comes highly recommended by national guidelines and good practice guides. Its primary goal is to streamline the initial assessment process, meaning that patients should receive attention within the first 15 minutes of their arrival. Following this assessment, patients may be asked to wait in the designated area as care priorities are determined.

To facilitate this process, care will be organised and identified using a colour-coded system, allowing for a more efficient and effective allocation of resources and attention to those in urgent need.

The hospital is committed to ensuring that all patients are well-informed about the changes and how they will be affected. Upon arrival, patients will find extensive information available through posters and banners within the unit, guiding them through the new process.

Additionally, the hospital emphasises the importance of its 24-hour triage line (01872 258000) for any clinical concerns regarding the health of expectant mothers or their babies. This line serves as a direct contact to professional care, where patients can be assured of receiving the necessary support and attention.

With the implementation of the BSOTS triage system, Royal Cornwall Hospital’s maternity services are taking a significant step forward in improving patient care and safety, aligning with the best practices in medical care for mothers and their newborns.