The LABOUR Tool is a risk assessment tool developed to support safer care for babies and their mothers in maternity units in the UK.

The LABOUR acronym stand for Location, Age, Birth Type, Ongoing Concerns, Urgency and Risk Factor. The original idea of the acronym was perceived and tested at University Hospital of Wales. The team at Medway Hospital further developed the risk assessment element and incorporated it to the existing tool.

We believe that implementing this tool in maternity units will enhance decision making, escalations and timely interventions for the unwell newborn infant and labouring mothers.

The development of this app was only possible through a generous grant from the Department of Health’s “Maternity and Neonatal Safety Innovation Fund 2016/17”