Seven Trays in Labour Room: Essential Setup Guide: 1 Minute to Understand Labour Room Tray Preparation

Setting up the labour room efficiently is critical for ensuring both mother and baby's safety during childbirth. One essential aspect of this setup involves the proper arrangement of the "Seven Trays," a standard organizational method in many maternity wards. These trays categorize and organize critical instruments and supplies, streamlining workflow for the medical team. Below is a detailed guide on the essential items in each tray and their purpose for an organized, safe, and efficient labour room environment.

1. 1. Delivery Tray: Equipped with items such as scissors, forceps, clamps, needle holder, and swabs—used for actual delivery and immediate post-birth procedures.
2. 2. Episiotomy Tray: Contains episiotomy scissors, tissue forceps, suturing materials, and local anesthetic for surgical incision and repair.
3. 3. Suture Tray: Includes sterile needles, absorbable sutures, needle holders, straight/curved scissors, forceps, and antiseptic—dedicated to perineal repair apart from episiotomy.
4. 4. Catheterization Tray: Comprises sterile catheters, gloves, jelly, forceps, and disinfectant—used for emptying the bladder, especially before delivery or surgical procedures.
5. 5. Baby Tray/Resuscitation Tray: Holds essential neonatal items such as sterile towels, bulb syringe, cord clamp, stethoscope, suction apparatus, and resuscitation bag in case of newborn distress.
6. 6. Intravenous Tray: Contains IV sets, cannulas, syringes, needles, spirit swabs, and tapes to provide IV access and medications as needed.
7. 7. Anaesthesia Tray: Stocked with syringes, needles, local anesthetic vials, small gauzes, and ampoule openers—used for administering spinal or local anesthesia.

As a designer, I recognize how important not just the organization, but also the placement and accessibility of these trays are to workflow, safety, and even the healing environment. By ensuring that each tray has a clearly designated, easily reachable spot, you minimize unnecessary movement, reduce stress for healthcare workers, and enhance response times in emergencies. If you’re planning or optimizing a labour room layout, consider leveraging modern tools like a room planner designed for healthcare spaces. With 3D visualization, you can assess real-time access, adjust tray placement based on workflow, and create safer, more intuitive environments for both patients and staff.

Tips 1:

Label each tray clearly and keep a checklist nearby to ensure quick inventory reviews. Regularly rehearse emergency scenarios with your staff using the set tray organization to build confidence and streamline processes.

FAQ

Q: What are the “Seven Trays” in a labour room?

A: The seven trays include the Delivery Tray, Episiotomy Tray, Suture Tray, Catheterization Tray, Baby/Resuscitation Tray, Intravenous Tray, and Anaesthesia Tray, each containing specific instruments for birthing procedures.

Q: Why is tray organization important in labour rooms?

A: Efficient tray organization improves access to critical instruments, reduces errors, saves time during emergencies, and ensures safer outcomes for mother and baby.

Q: How often should these trays be checked or restocked?

A: Trays should be checked and restocked at every shift change, after each use, and during routine inventory audits to maintain readiness.

Q: Can digital room planning tools help optimize tray placement?

A: Yes, digital room planners allow you to visualize and adjust tray placement in virtual 3D layouts, ensuring optimal workflow and accessibility for staff.

Q: Are the contents of the trays standardized across all hospitals?

A: While the general categories are similar, the exact contents may vary depending on hospital protocols and local guidelines—always refer to your institution's checklist.