The following adverts serve as notices to midwives working in Lira hospital, Uganda and gives a glimpse into the standards midwives are expected to meet.
The notice was clearly labeled Lira hospital policy for maternal and child health and many sealed copies hang on notice boards at various corners of the hospital where patients, visitors and nurses read them as a daily reminder.
The notice reads as follows:
1-Time management must be observed by all midwives on duty.
2-All mothers must be examined by midwives to ascertain condition, not students [student doctors] alone.
3-Mothers in active labour should be monitored within the ward not outside.
4-All referred patients should be given first priority and continuous monitoring; doctors/ interns must be informed immediately.
5-Proper handover must be done physically and in writing (i.e. files must also be handed over).
6-Proper monitoring of mothers should be done using patograph [used for measuring vital signs such as heartbeat]
7-Promptly inform the doctor of any emergency of failed progress.
8-Document all observations and findings on patograph and patients files.
9-Midwives should monitor infants soon after birth and not rush with them to NICU [meaning not clear].
10-Sterilization must be pre-packed and extracted.
11-Always read patients case notes
12-Do not neglect mothers with IUFD [meaning unclear] because most of them die.
13-Develop attitude of care for all mothers, attendants and relatives.
14. Practice good customer care for mothers and other people.
Another notice found on the maternity ward reads as follows: ‘Dear visitors/attendants/relatives, do not sit on patients’ beds.’ (in Luo language: ‘Pe wubed ikabutu otwo’).
