Visit to Mercedes Formula 1 HQ gives hospital maternity team a blueprint for improvements

A pit stop visit to Mercedes Formula 1 headquarters has inspired midwives and doctors from George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, to change their procedures and improve their teamworking in an emergency.

Doctors, anaesthetists, nurses and midwives from the hospital's maternity department called in to Brackley-based Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport recently to watch the pit stop practice and learn from the teamwork on display. As a result of the visit, the maternity team will be altering how it practises and prepares for emergency situations, ensuring that all movements are as efficient as possible – saving valuable seconds.

One initiative the hospital team aims to borrow is the 'role changing' practice drill from the F1 pit crew, where members of staff gain a greater understanding of the role others have to play. For example, a midwife could take the role of a paediatrician during

practice sessions, gaining a greater insight into the thought processes of teammates.

George Eliot Hospital's Head of Midwifery Alison Talbot says: "We jumped at the chance to visit Mercedes F1. Both teams face working in high-pace, pressured environments and it was fascinating to see the parallels between our experiences and how the team works together.

"We met a team at the top of its game and whose members appreciate the value of a few seconds. We are eager to put what we have seen into practice in an emergency situation and continue to improve our services for our patients."

The trip to Mercedes F1, and the practices implemented afterwards, are all part of the maternity department's 'labour leaders' initiative, which is also part of a national programme to improve patient care and safety.