|
We are writing to let you know that a national investigation into maternity and neonatal services has been announced by the Department of Health and Social Care today as well as the establishment of a maternity and neonatal taskforce to share learning and best practice.
The NHS in Gloucestershire is committed to providing safe, high quality maternity care for women and babies and we fully support these developments which have real potential to benefit our services in the county and those who use them.
We know based on the experiences of some of the families we have cared for that we got it wrong for them and we are deeply sorry for that.
Extensive work has taken place over the last two years to improve our services and the care we provide and also to plan well for the future. This has included significant recruitment, more safety measures and ensuring families are supported throughout their journey, and we continue to focus on the challenges that remain. A critical element is ensuring that improvements that we make are sustained.
In recent years there has been significant scrutiny on the challenges in maternity care, including in Gloucestershire. A number of national reports have been published and local independent reviews commissioned with a focus on improving care, safety and outcomes.
The national investigation will play a key role in pulling together recommendations from inquiries to assess progress and to provide clarity on direction.
In order to develop a full picture of the significant national and local changes in maternity care, the evidence base for what works in terms of quality and safety and the choices women are expressing, we are also carrying out a local maternity health needs assessment for the county.
As part of this, we are gathering the views of women and birthing people, their families, staff and community partners.
Once the national investigation and the local needs assessment process is complete, we will set out ideas on how services could be developed. We are keen that any proposals for future service development are co-designed through meaningful engagement.
The approach being taken above does not change our current position on local hospital facilities, including the temporary service closures.
Best wishes |
