Refresher: newborn examination

This top to toe assessment of the baby for any obvious signs of abnormality or distress must have the parents present and should be explained clearly (with a translator if needed)     Check general appearance Check overall symmetry, count fingers and toes, and check for webbing. Ensure that the neck is fully mobile. Measure the […]

Refresher: Re:Birth

How we communicate can determine the quality of the care given and received. In 2021, the RCM carried out a collaborative and exploratory project called Re:Birth to understand what language works best. It found that women and service users wanted descriptive and non-judgemental terms; professionals needed terms that are descriptive and unambiguous about differences in […]

Refresher: RCM activists

There are more than 1,500 activists spread across 200 RCM branches in the UK. RCM branches are the hub of local activity for members, from social events to employment advice 1. What does ‘activist’ mean? An activist is a generic term for any member who holds an elected role at local level. This includes the statutory […]

Refresher: NEWTT2

Newborn Early Warning Track and Trigger (NEWTT2) is a tool used to identify and track potential signs of clinical deterioration in newborns. It includes a chart of observations (heart and respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation and feeding behaviour) and assigns scores (0, 1, or 2) to them to determine risk levels. The tool incorporates the importance […]