Have your say on maternity services

The Trust is establishing a Maternity Services Liaison Committee (MSLC) and wants feedback from mothers who have recently used the maternity service at Coleraine.

Mary Maxwell, Head of Midwifery with the Trust, explained, “A Maternity Services Liaison Committee or MSLC is an independent body set up to advise the Trust. It will be made up of a number of health service professionals including those who work for the Trust and others such as GPs and members of independent support groups.

“In addition, input from mothers who have recent experience of having a baby is essential to making this an effective forum for reporting on and influencing Trust services.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in becoming a member; we are holding an information meeting in Antrim Hospital on Monday, September 27. I would like to encourage all those who have a view and who want to make a real contribution to come along.”

The committee will meet initially to discuss the times, structure and format of future meetings – it is planned to meet four times a year. Those attending will have a chance to discuss in more detail the work of the MSLC and how they can contribute to improving services for women.

The committee will cover all aspects of a mother’s experience from pregnancy through to birth. It will look at the level of advice provided to parents before and after having a baby and any feedback from parents will be reported to those who manage the service at Causeway Hospital.

The Northern Trust wants to hear the views of as many women as possible to help improve and better shape future services. Even if women cannot attend regular meetings the Trust is still keen to hear their stories and to reflect on individual experiences.

As Maureen Griffith who is lay chairperson of the proposed MSLC said: “We need to know what works and what doesn’t. And the best way to achieve that is to listen to mothers with direct experience of the services we provide.

“I want to assure people that their contribution can make a difference. The MSLC will make recommendations to Trust management and will follow up on any action agreed at committee.”

If you are a recent mother and have used the maternity service at Antrim Area Hospital, please come along to the information evening in Causeway Hospital on Monday, September 27 at 7pm.