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Remote hospital working
Healthcare access varies across England, and this can lead to health inequalities.
A review of 109 completed MNSI investigations found that geographical remoteness led to a complex operational environment and that a coordinated approach was needed to ensure safer maternity and neonatal care.
The review identified eight themes, several directly linked to a hospital's remote location:
- multidisciplinary team working
- staffing
- staff exposure to and familiarity with certain conditions
- equity of care, including the cost and practicality of travel
- the range of clinical services available locally
- emergency transfer, including transport by ferry, helicopter, and ambulance
- communication and information sharing between trusts
- antenatal care planning.
This briefing paper shares our evidence and insight and provides safety prompts to open up the conversation between remote and non-remote hospitals to help them work collaboratively.
We welcome any comments or feedback. You can share your thoughts with us by emailing: enquiries@mnsi.org.uk