A pilot service, in response to recommendations set out in the Ockenden review, is being launched across mid and south Essex to offer support to women and families who are currently facing or have faced an adverse outcome during their maternity or neonatal care.
The service sees the introduction of the maternity and neonatal independent senior advocate role, who will help women and their families to understand more about the healthcare system, attend follow-up meetings, and support them through any investigations and complaints. They are tasked with ensuring the voices of those who have experienced an adverse outcome during their care are heard and feedback is passed back to their maternity and neonatal care providers so actions can be taken.
The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System defines an adverse outcome as "a serious incident or an outcome that may require further formal investigation such as:
A baby has died before they were born
A baby has died in the days or weeks after they were born
The mother has died
The mother had an unexpected or unplanned removal of her womb (within 6 weeks of giving birth)
The mother had an unexpected time of care in the critical or intensive care unit
The mother was diagnosed with a brain injury or a brain injury was suspected."
Find out more about the role, including how you can get in touch with the Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate, on the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System website: