How can I get BSOTS in my unit?

What do I need to do to implement BSOTS?

While BSOTS is a very simple and effective system to use, a number of steps are needed prior to implementing for it to be integrated successfully. We have created an implementation plan [PDF, 298KB] , accompanied by full training and resources on the BSOTS website, to enable you to successfully implement and maintain BSOTS in your unit.

You may need to make significant changes to your current systems, for example…

• Moving any scheduled appointments or non-emergency care away from triage
• Ensuring triage staff are not used for escalation staffing in the first instance
• Changing the physical space of triage to provide a waiting area, dedicated triage room, and space for ongoing care
• Increasing midwifery and obstetric staffing in triage to recommended levels
• Changes to working patterns to ensure triage is suitably staffed by midwives and doctors
• Initial and ongoing audits of triage to review the service and inform staffing
• Training for implementers of BSOTS and staff working in triage with the new system

Are you ready for BSOTS?

We strongly advise you to use the BSOTS Readiness Tool.

This tool will ask you a series of questions to assess the current situation in your maternity unit, and whether any changes are recommended to your triage department. The tool will then produce a personalised report with suggestions for the successful implementation of BSOTS.

Completing the tool is entirely confidential, and you can use it as many times as you wish on your implementation journey.

The BSOTS website is full of resources to help you on your implementation journey, and to maintain BSOTS and an effective triage department after implementing. We advise you to access the BSOTS website and resources as early as possible.

Accessing the BSOTS website and resources:

Step 1: Agree to the BSOTS Terms of Use

To gain access to the full BSOTS resources, someone in your unit with signing authority must agree to the BSOTS Terms of Use.

These are non-negotiable, so we know who is using BSOTS and that everyone will use it as intended.

View and agree to the BSOTS Terms of Use

Step 2: Access the BSOTS website

Everything you need to prepare for, implement and use BSOTS is available on the BSOTS website. You will need an NHS Futures account to access this, which can be created by anyone with an NHS, medical or academic email address. If you have any problems accessing the website, please contact us at bsots@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

BSOTS website with the full resources

 If you have any problems accessing the BSOTS website, or you wish to enquire about using BSOTS in a maternity unit outside the UK, please contact us at bsots@contacts.bham.ac.uk.