A message for women, birthing people and families using ESNEFT maternity and neonatal services
You may have seen recent news stories about maternity care in some NHS hospitals. These stories were linked to two reports that looked at serious problems in maternity and neonatal care in other parts of England:
- The Ockenden Report into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and
- Baroness Amos’ Maternity and Neonatal Investigation into maternity and neonatal services across England.
We understand the reports may raise questions or worries, especially if you are expecting a baby, or receiving care from our services.
We want to reassure you that the safety and wellbeing of women, birthing people, babies and families is our top priority.
We are always looking for ways to learn, improve and provide the best care possible.
What does this mean for ESNEFT?
Although these reports were about care in other hospitals, there are important lessons for all maternity and neonatal services.
At ESNEFT, we have reviewed the actions and recommendations set out by NHS England. We are already taking steps to review our services and make improvements where needed.
This work includes:
- Making sure we have the right staff in place
- Improving maternity triage and urgent care
- Listening to women, birthing people and families
- Reducing inequalities in care
- Learning from feedback and when things go wrong
- Supporting staff to learn and develop
Listening to women and families
One of the main messages from the national reports is that women and families must be listened to.
Your experiences help us understand what we are doing well and what we can do better.
We want to hear about your care and your ideas for improvement.
We will be creating more opportunities for women, birthing people and families to share their views and to help shape our services.
We will also continue to work closely with our Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP), Birth Reflections Service and other feedback groups.
If you are worried about your care
If you are worried about your health, your baby’s health, or the care you are receiving, we’re here to help. You can:
- Talk to your midwife, obstetrician or care team
- Contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for extra support, or to raise concerns or issues about your care
- Reach the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP)
We want you to ask questions and raise concerns if something does not feel right.
We will listen to you and work with you to make decisions about your care.
Our pregnancy and birth services page is full of information which may help to answer quick questions and concerns.
Never hesitate to contact maternity triage for advice if you are concerned about your baby – there are midwives on duty 24/7.
Colchester maternity triage – 01206 845 240
Ipswich maternity triage – 01473 703 334
Our promise
We are committed to providing care that is:
- Safe
- Kind
- Respectful
- Compassionate
- Inclusive
- Personalised
- Based on the best available evidence
We are also committed to being open and honest when things do not go as planned and learning from every experience.
How can you share your experiences?
We would like to hear from you, whether your experience has been positive or whether you think something could have been better.
You can:
- Speak to a member of your maternity or neonatal team
- Contact your local Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP)
- Attend a Birth Reflections appointment
- Complete the NHS Friends and Family Test
- Contact PALS
Every piece of feedback helps us improve our services.
We know that trust is important. We will keep listening, learning and improving so that we can provide safe, high-quality care for everyone who uses our services.
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