Fetal Medicine

In 2008 the North Central Perinatal Network Sponsored a post linked to the Fetal Medicine Department at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital. The position was that of a Fetal Anomaly Coordinator. 

The basis of this work was to recognise and highlight the requirements for families within the network for babies with fetal anomalies, and to streamline and co-ordinate the care pathways for such babies.

With the appointment of Sandra Edwards-Fenton from 1st January 2008 until 31st June 2008, on behalf of the network as Fetal Anomaly Coordinator, the network identified the key aims of her job as:

(i) Initiate a co-ordinated approach to the management of major fetal abnormality with North Central London

(ii) Act as an advocate for parents and babies, in order to facilitate access to the appropriate services at the appropriate   time, and to help parents negotiate the complex care pathways .

(iii) Review and audit outcomes, and to facilitate information sharing within the network for the benefit of all.

The network also identified and required key result areas to include:

Design, establish and maintain a confidential database containing information about women  whose fetus is diagnosed with a significant antenatal abnormality. 

Prepare with appropriate specialists care pathways, and facilitate agreement between stakeholders regarding common management protocols 

Liaison between appropriate parties within the network

Prepare and agree parent information leaflets 

Maintain contact with parents

Arrange booking for the appropriate place of delivery, liaising with teams regarding mode and time of delivery, and with neonatal teams regarding appropriate neonatal investigation and management 

Arrange and facilitate bereavement counselling, autopsy, follow up appointments

Arrange neonatal follow-up appointments with appropriate individuals as agreed in care pathways

Check that agreed care pathways are followed e.g. postnatal MRI is carried out, immediate transfer to GOSH is achieved

Prepare a 6-month interim report and presentation in order that information on outcomes can be shared between the network hospitals so that all can benefit and strive to improve, and to demonstrate the value of the post in order that continuation and expansion can be considered.

A final report was published in 2008.

To view the report  click on icon below.When the page opens right click on "View This Document" link and choose the option "Open in New Window".

• Fetal Anomaly Coordinator Report