WESTON AND BRISTOL PARTNERSHIP TO BRING IMPROVED AND SUSTAINABLE MATERNITY SERVICES

A new model for maternity services has been developed between Weston Area Health NHS Trust (WAHT) and University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (UH Bristol). This partnership will improve training opportunities while also providing strong and stable leadership and ensure a 24-hour service in North Somerset.

Midwifery matron, Ailish Edwards said: “It is important that women are able to make an informed decision about where to give birth, and it is vital that local midwife-led units and home births are an option. The changes ensure a sustainable future for the maternity service here in Weston as there will be fewer recruitment challenges and better staff cover, which in turn enables the service to support more local women.”

While the two services will merge in the near future as part of the planned partnership with UH Bristol, a formal arrangement has been proposed ahead of that and a consultation with staff is currently taking place. These proposed developments will ensure the ability to provide safe and continuous quality care to mothers and babies in the face of recruitment challenges.

Under the new model, the birth service will continue to be available 24-hours-a-day and all antenatal and postnatal care will be provided from three hubs based within children’s centres across North Somerset. These arrangements will improve access to maternity services while also strengthening relationships with local children’s centres.