A maternity team in Wales has been recognised for its work to address inequalities for pregnant women with learning disabilities.
The Maternity Passport at Hywel Dda University Health Board was developed to improve personalised care.
Leaders elected to go further, however, and tackle inequalities by adding an extra question to the revised All-Wales Maternity Handheld Record, asking all women what communication support they needed when accessing maternity services.
The Chief Nursing Officer for Wales and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Wales Quality Improvement Award for 2024 recognised the project at Hywel Dda.
Those recognised include:
- Cerian Llewelyn, Lead Midwife for Risk and Governance
- Faith Worrall, Clinical Supervisor for Midwives
- Tipswalo Day, Obstetrician,
- Sarah Burton, Specialist Public Health Midwife
- Elizabeth Rees, Consultant Midwife
- Rebecca Hall, Maternity Service User Experience Midwife
RCM’s director for Wales, Julie Richards, said: “The Maternity Passport was co-produced with women who use the service and those who need some adjustments and support with communication to ensure they got it absolutely right – and they did.
“The maternity team at Hywel Dda works in a positive culture, tackling improvements head on.”
Hywel Dda has is hosting training sessions to highlight the challenges faced by marginalised women – the first series centred around the impact of race in maternity, with the current series focusing on inclusivity.
Wales chief midwifery officer, Karen Jewell, added: “It is wonderful to see Hywel Dda’s initiative included within the All-Wales Maternity Handheld Records and shared as best practice with other services across Wales.
“By asking the right questions, the tool ensures that all women have the opportunity to discuss their individual needs and any reasonable adjustments required to ensure they receive the care they need.”
Image credit: iStock
