Affiliation:
1. Registered nurse and midwife, Head of the South East Clinical Senate, NHS England, South East Region
Abstract
Background/Aims A climate of trust in maternity may improve the experiences of staff and women accessing maternity services. The aim of this study was to explore how a climate of trust was promoted through creation of a regular virtual maternity multidisciplinary forum, known as a maternal medicine huddle, during the COVID-19 pandemic and what influence this had on the organisational culture of a local maternity system and the experiences of women receiving maternity care. Methods Through a critical feminist methodology, six participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Interviews were conducted through Miscrosoft Teams, with the six participants representing each of the six trusts in a selected local maternity and neonatal system. Results Developing trust for teamwork is valued, while at the same time interprofessional and interorganisation challenges are highlighted that can impact workplace culture. Conclusions The huddles have built a climate of trust, working to deliver safe, equitable care for those using maternity services and a supportive learning environment for those providing it.