Conflicts among care providers linked to maternal, neonatal deaths – Expert

Maternal and child health expert, Mrs Racheal Hesse Matey, has cautioned that disagreements among obstetric care providers are contributing to maternal and neonatal deaths. At the Annual Health Conference on Maternal and Neonatal Mortality, she explained how internal disputes and disregard for established protocols can lead to misdiagnosis, improper treatments, and poor coordination, ultimately affecting patient outcomes.

"If there is conflict among the internal people and it is not resolved, the protocols that are supposed to guide us are not followed," she explained. Mrs Hesse Matey stressed the importance of resolving interpersonal conflicts promptly to ensure patient care remains a top priority. She urged health facilities and training institutions to prioritize teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution to reduce preventable maternal deaths.

Additionally, she highlighted the need for midwives to enhance their professional expertise to meet the expectations of increasingly informed patients. "Before they come to the hospital, they know the condition they are going through. They are well-informed," she noted. Mrs Hesse Matey also emphasized the significance of equitable healthcare, insisting that all patients deserve quality care, regardless of their background, financial status, or appearance.

She cautioned trainees against overusing mobile phones and social media while on duty, emphasizing that every moment spent with a patient is crucial.