Re: Pregnancy risk assessments

Steph Phillips — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:56:08 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]If the nurse feels that an aspect of her job puts her or the foetus at risk, it has to be addressed, regardless of whether the employer feels it is.[/quote]

Exactly what I believe too! ..which is why I decided (and advised by my midwife) it was best for my baby that I was taken out of theater and put on reception to avoid inhaling any gasses.. which sooo many people have told me it's a bit OTT and its safe blaa blaa.. but with 4 miscarrages I wasn't going to risk anything and wrapped myself in cotton wool!

Re: Pregnancy risk assessments

Gillian Mostyn — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:40:01 GMT

[quote user="Hannah25uk"]yet he is asking the head nurse what she feels the risks are! [/quote]

This is perectly reasonable - risk assessments are for both parties. If the nurse feels that an aspect of her job puts her or the foetus at risk, it has to be addressed, regardless of whether the employer feels it is.

This type of risk assessment is a fluid, changing thing and is different even for two people doing the same job, as their personal situation/health can differ. It should be reassessed frequently (which is as simple as 'how are you feeling about your job at the moment') and changes made as necessary.

There is the obvious stuff about hormonal and corticosteroid drugs, xrays etc but actually as most of the people who work as nurses are women of child-bearing age, there should be pretty good health safeguards in place already!!!