National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation holding family panels in December

Families with experience of maternity and neonatal care from Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NHSFT) are being invited to share their experiences at two panels being held in Bradford at the start of December.

The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, led by Baroness Amos, has been asked by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, to review the quality and safety of maternity and neonatal care delivered to women, babies, and families across England. As part of this, they have been asked to conduct and publish local investigations at twelve Trusts, including Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHSFT, which delivers care at Bradford Royal Infirmary, St Luke’s Hospital, Eccleshill Community Hospital, Westwood Park Community Hospital, and Westbourne Green Community Hospital. These findings will help shape national recommendations.

The Bradford Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP), led by independent service-users Nas Ali and Sarah Hutchinson, have been asked by the Investigation team to invite families to two family panels being held on the morning of December 1. These will be held in a community setting in Bradford, times and location to be confirmed.

Sarah said “This is a great opportunity for families to be heard and to help shape care for the future. We would encourage anyone who wants to share their story to get in touch – even if you can’t make the panels, there will be a way to share your experiences”.

The panels will give families the opportunity to share their stories and discuss how they were cared for. One panel will be reserved for families who experienced bereavement or other harm, and the other open to families whatever their experiences. The team is keen to ensure that they hear from a wide range of families, including those from Black and Asian backgrounds and those experiencing poverty or who are otherwise marginalised. Expenses can be covered and vouchers offered in recognition of families’ time and translation or other support can be arranged.

Nas adds “Bradford is an incredibly diverse city – it’s what makes us great. We know that too often, Black and Asian women and their babies are at greater risk of harm. Ensuring their stories are heard will help us better understand why, and reduce this gap.”

If you are interested in taking part in one of the panels, please contact Sarah and Nas at bdcmnvp@gmail.com and they can provide more details. If the panels are over-subscribed they will work with families to support them to share with the Investigation in another way.