Pilot project launches to support women and families impacted by traumatic childbirth
It follows something called the Ockenden Review into maternity care at a different hospital Trust
'Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocates' are being piloted in Somerset to support women and families after traumatic childbirth.
They'll be there to advocate and support women and families when there's been a 'severe adverse outcome'.
It's running until at least next March, and follows the Ockenden Review, which happened at a different Hospital Trust.
Following the review, which looked into maternity care at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust, a number of 'Immediate and Essential Actions' were flagged - which it's hoped these new Advocates will be able to help to rectify.
Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocates help ensure the voices of women and families are listened to, heard, and acted upon by their maternity and neonatal care providers when they have experienced an adverse outcome any time during their maternity and neonatal care. This may have been a recent experience or happened some time ago.
An 'adverse outcome' is defined as being:
- A baby has died before they were born, after 24 weeks of pregnancy
- A baby has died in the days or weeks after they were born, up to 28 days
- The mother or birthing person has died
- The mother or birthing person had an unexpected or unplanned removal of their womb (within 6 weeks of giving birth)
- The mother or birthing person had an unexpected time of care in the critical or intensive care unit
- The baby was diagnosed with a brain injury or a brain injury was suspected
These advocates can help families understand the maternity and neonatal healthcare system, attend follow up meetings where concerns about maternity or neonatal care are being discussed and support them through the investigation and complaints processes.
One Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate, Jane Innes, will serve the population of Somerset in the area covered by NHS Somerset.
Jane, who has more than 30 years of experience in the NHS, started her career as a nurse, and then retrained as solicitor working solely in healthcare law.
She said: “I have experience of dealing with highly complex and challenging situations. I know and understand the NHS, voluntary and charity sectors.
"I believe in individualised, safe, kind, and compassionate care. I can help and support you with any questions and concerns regarding your care; to feel listened to, and heard, by those who provided that care, and to support through any investigations or processes that may be required, and/or signpost you to other available support services”.
Dr Bernie Marden, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Somerset said: “While adverse outcomes in maternity care, such as brain injury or death for a mother or child, are very rare, it is vital that families are supported through these particularly difficult times, and that they are listened to and heard by their maternity and neonatal care providers.
“This new pilot led by NHS England will provide an advocate who can help families navigate the processes and signpost them to the best support available, and we are pleased to be one of the first areas in the country to have this important bespoke role in our community.”
This role, which is independent from the NHS Trusts, was co-produced by NHS England working alongside maternity and neonatal service users and staff.
You can contact a Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate by calling, emailing, writing to them or via the dedicated website.