Executive Summary
This report is set out to show the alterations that have been made through the 5’s methodologies on the labour ward (LDRP).
An analysis was produced to show that there was:
• A need for adequate work/writing space
• A need for a place to congregate for confidential reports
• A need for a room to safely check drugs undisturbed
• A need to find equipment and stock easily and logically taking into account flows, time and motion in 5’s leaning
The information was gathered from the divisional lead and the midwives on the ward.
A generic report was produced to show how the 5’s team was to implement the procedure throughout 46 wards the first being LDRP. (Appendices A)
The investigation highlighted areas of weakness on a number of the wards and the recommended action.
Suggestions for improvement included training for all staff, awareness of the 5’s methodology, incentive scheme and comparisons to other wards with information available to all line managers and divisional leads to be able to access and compare to make such improvements.
Introduction
Huddersfield Labour ward was merged with Calderdale LDRP on Friday 1st August 2008. Inevitably this resulted in increased numbers of midwives and doctors on each shift who:
• Needed adequate work/writing space.
• Needed a place to congregate for confidential reports.
• Needed a room to safely check drugs undisturbed.
• Needed to find equipment and stock easily and logically taking into account flows, time, motion and 5’s leaning.
It was agreed with the division for 5’s leaning methodology to be introduced to the ward.
What is 5’s?
In simple terms 5S is:
1. Sort determine what is required and what is not, in the amounts needed and only when needed.
2. Set in order arrange items that are needed so that they are easy to use, are labelled and anyone can find them and put them away in the right place.
3. Shine Clean and check on a regular basis so that when something is...