User involvement in maternity services

We believe that maternity services should:

• be woman-centred and family focused
• target services to those who are disadvantaged and most in need
• promote and support normal birth and breastfeeding
• prepare parents for birth and for life with a new baby.

To this end, the NCT is committed to working for improvements in maternity services to ensure that they meet the physical, social and emotional needs of mothers and babies, and work with fathers, partners and other relatives to support the whole family.

User involvement in maternity services

Involvement of service users in the planning, delivery and monitoring of local services is recognised as being key to the development of effective and responsive services. For services to meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve, the commissioners and providers of local services must listen to and take on board community perspectives. Local communities must be given the opportunity to put forward their own views, experiences and needs.

User involvement is encouraged by government policy. NHS Trusts and other NHS bodies are legally required to involve and consult patients and the public in planning and decision making in relation to service provision and changes to services.

There are many ways that parents and maternity service users can be involved in shaping and influencing the future of local service provision. If you are keen to ensure that your local community has a voice and to bring user-friendly service improvements, one of the ways that you can do this is by volunteering as an NCT maternity services user and parent representative.

Working in the community

The NCT has a national network of branches and trained specialist workers. We have experience of working with the NHS, Sure Start and community groups to deliver projects under contract and to provide consultation and practical training. Our parent-centred approach is particularly helpful in engaging hard-to-reach groups and we have developed a wide range of skills through our partnerships with local organisations and courses tailored to parents’ needs, including black and minority ethnic families and young parents.

Local reconfiguration campaigns

The NCT provides support to hundreds of people who are campaigning locally for improved maternity services in their local community. Many NCT branches and members are involved in campaigns focusing on proposed changes to maternity services as part of a process known as reconfiguration. A proposed reconfiguration should be seen as an opportunity to review services and deliver on the principles of a quality modern maternity service. Find out more about how the NCT can help you to campaign for better services in your local area.

To campaign for better maternity services in your local area or to get involved in any aspect of campaigning with the NCT, join NCT Active today.