Southend Hospital highly commended in national awards

A pioneering project to improve the care of mums having caesarean sections has been highly commended in the category of obstetrics and gynaecology in the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Value in Healthcare Awards 2017.

The enhanced recovery pathway in obstetrics (ERPO) is led by Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Mr Venkat Raman and maternity and anaesthetic teams at Southend University Hospital.

It was launched in May 2015 and the initiative aims to ensure the highest levels of care and health during C-section to help speed up recovery. This means that after delivery, mum and baby spend quality time in their own home.

Mr Raman says: "The way we care has seen a reduction in pre- operative starving times, better management of pain relief, better prevention of nausea and vomiting following surgery, early mobilisation minimising complications such as DVT, shortened hospital stay and early discharge. All of this contributes to a better patient experience. Just for us to be nominated for an award was a huge honour, let alone highly commended for our passion and hard work. The team is immensely proud of being recognised as one of the best in our field."

The HSJ awards took place on Wednesday 24 May at London's Grosvenor House.