What discussions is the Cabinet Minister having with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to ensure that blood pressure changes are monitored in mothers who have just given birth?
We engage regularly with all health boards, including Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, on the quality and safety of maternity services.
Health boards are expected to have robust arrangements in place to monitor women following birth, including the timely assessment of blood pressure to identify potential complications such as postnatal hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
Across NHS Wales, maternity services are implementing the nationally agreed Maternity Early Warning Score (MEWS) system, formerly referred to as MEOWS (Modified Early Obstetric Warning Score). This standardised approach is used during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period to monitor key physiological observations, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and prompts escalation where abnormal observations are identified. The system has been introduced to reduce variation in practice and support the early recognition and treatment of maternal deterioration.
The All-Wales MEWS chart requires regular monitoring of women following birth and uses blood pressure measurements as a core component of the assessment, ensuring that changes are identified promptly and acted upon appropriately. Health boards, including Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, are expected to adhere to these national standards and escalation processes as part of delivering safe maternity care.
The Welsh Government expects all health boards to implement national guidance consistently to support the early identification and management of women whose condition may be deteriorating following childbirth. Monitoring of quality and safety of maternity services will continue through the established oversight arrangements with health boards.