On 4^th September 2014, FV Hospital held a CME training programme with the theme “Maternal Collapse and the Role of Perimortem Caesarean. “The training was led by Dr Sharon Foo – Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Maternal Foetal Medicine Specialist, (Thomson Specialists at the Paragon Medical Centre), who provided valuable knowledge and skills to participants for handling emergency situations related to the health of both mothers and infants.

The training programme attracted over 100 participants, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other FV healthcare staff. It also provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to exchange experiences, share knowledge, and discuss real-life challenges they face in their daily work. The valuable insights gained from this course will contribute significantly to enhancing the quality of maternal healthcare at FV.

In his opening remarks, Vu Truong Son, MD, MSc, Acting Medical Director of FV Hospital, expressed his appreciation to Dr Sharon Foo for dedicating her time to the continuous education of healthcare professionals at FV. He emphasised that in the future, FV Hospital and Thomson Medical Group would organise many more training programs and medical knowledge exchanges for healthcare staff both within and outside the hospital. These activities are part of a broader medical collaboration, bringing top Singaporean experts to FV, working together with FV’s team to improve the quality of international-standard patient care in Vietnam.

Starting the program, Dr Foo shared a specific clinical case, analysing the factors influencing the decision to perform an emergency Caesarean section in cases of maternal cardiorespiratory failure, also known as near-death scenarios. She stressed the importance of early recognition of symptoms and timely decisions, which can save both the mother and the baby. Notably, Dr Foo successfully saved 19 out of 60 mothers without complications.

The presentation was meticulously prepared, focusing on rare and urgent issues in obstetrics, particularly maternal cardiorespiratory failure, a life-threatening condition for both the mother and foetus. Dr Sharon Foo provided in-depth knowledge for recognising, managing, and treating maternal cardiorespiratory failure, the role of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early detection and swift response to provide ventilation support, left uterine displacement (LUD), and the critical importance of performing a perimortem caesarean delivery (PMCD) in cases where the mother is at high risk of death.

Dr Foo thoroughly examined the benefits and risks of PMCD, helping doctors make accurate and timely decisions in challenging situations. This procedure ensures that babies are born without suffering from neurological damage caused by prolonged oxygen deprivation in the womb.

The training programme was not only a professional activity but also an opportunity for doctors and healthcare staff to connect, expand their networks, and work together towards a common goal: ensuring optimal safety and health for both mother and baby.

During the Q&A session at the end of the programme, Dr Vo Trieu Dat, FV Hospital’s Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department expressed his appreciation for the valuable knowledge and experience shared by Dr Foo throughout the training. He also reflected on a memorable yet unfortunate experience in his medical career, where both the mother and baby tragically did not survive.

Additionally, midwives from FV’s Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department raised questions about handling emergencies and preparing the medical team when a pregnant woman faces life-threatening complications.

Through these specialised training programmes, it is evident that FV Hospital places great emphasis on improving the quality of healthcare and developing human resources in Vietnam’s healthcare sector. In particular, FV Hospital has consistently organised high-quality CME training courses with the participation of leading experts from Vietnam and Singapore to enhance the professional competence of medical staff, contributing to comprehensive patient care.