FOI_8743

Internal Reference Number: FOI_8743

Date Request Received: 03/07/2025 00:00:00

Date Request Replied To: 09/07/2025 00:00:00

This response was sent via: By Email

Request Summary: Perineal Wound Care Practices

Request Category: Health


Question Number 1: I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding current clinical practices for perineal wound care at your Trust. If your trust has a Specialist Perineal Trauma Midwife in post, they may be the most appropriate person to provide this information. Alternatively, the Labour Ward Manager should be well placed to answer these questions. a. What solution is used to cleanse the vulvo-vaginal area when a spontaneous vaginal delivery is imminent? b. What solution is used to cleanse the vulvo-vaginal area when an instrumental delivery (e.g., forceps or vacuum) is planned or imminent?

Answer To Question 1: 1a. No cleansing solution is used for a spontaneous vaginal birth. 1b. Sterile water.

Question Number 2: In the event of an episiotomy during a spontaneous vaginal birth, what cleansing solution is used immediately beforehand?

Answer To Question 2: 2. No cleaning solution is used for an episiotomy, just washed with sterile water.

Question Number 3: a. What cleansing solution is used prior to suturing following a spontaneous vaginal birth? b. What cleansing solution is used prior to suturing following an instrumental vaginal birth?

Answer To Question 3: 3a. Sterile water. 3b. As 3a.

Question Number 4: What cleansing solution is used after suturing is completed, and is this different following spontaneous or instrumental births?

Answer To Question 4: 4. No cleaning solution is used.

Question Number 5: Does your Trust recommend or routinely use any specific topical product(s) (e.g., medical-grade honey, Flaminal, or similar) for the care of perineal trauma? If so, please specify the product(s) used and outline your policy (e.g., used for all women with perineal trauma, or only for women meeting certain clinical criteria).

Answer To Question 5: No

Question Number 6: Does your Trust routinely collect data on the number of women who are referred back into services due to perineal wound concerns (excluding routine OASI follow-up)?

Answer To Question 6: No

Question Number 7: If your Trust offers a perineal wound clinic, which products—if any—are recommended to support wound healing?

Answer To Question 7: The Trust does not offer a separate perineal wound clinic.

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