New partnership launched to improve maternity and neonatal services across Northern Ireland
A new regional partnership has been launched to improve maternity and neonatal services across Northern Ireland, bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers and families to help shape the future of care.
Credit: Department of Health
The Department of Health announced the establishment of the Maternal and Newborn Partnership on Thursday 29 October, with the aim of improving outcomes and experiences for women, babies and families.
The initiative will bring together representatives from across the Health and Social Care system to support safer, more consistent and sustainable maternity and newborn services.
Maternal and Newborn Partnership aims to improve care
The new Maternal and Newborn Partnership will operate as a multidisciplinary forum, allowing organisations and professionals involved in maternity and neonatal care to work more closely together.
Its membership includes representatives from the Department of Health, Public Health Agency, Health and Social Care Trusts, healthcare professionals and service users.
The partnership will focus on identifying opportunities to improve care, sharing best practice and supporting the development of services across Northern Ireland.
A key objective is to promote greater consistency in the quality of maternity and neonatal care, regardless of where families access services.
The Department of Health says the partnership will also support regional priorities and help ensure services remain responsive to changing needs.
Parents and families to help shape maternity services
One of the central features of the partnership will be the involvement of women, parents and families in decisions about how maternity and neonatal services are developed.
The Department of Health says the experiences of those who use these services will help inform improvement priorities and future changes.
By combining the perspectives of families with clinical expertise and evidence, the partnership aims to develop services that better reflect the needs of patients.
The approach is intended to support improvements not only in clinical outcomes but also in the experiences of women and families throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the early stages of a baby’s life.
Health Minister welcomes regional collaboration
Health Minister Robbie Butler welcomed the launch, highlighting the importance of maternity and newborn care for the long-term wellbeing of families and communities.
Credit: Department of Health
He said the care received during pregnancy, childbirth and the early days of a baby’s life could have a lasting impact on both parents and children.
The Minister emphasised the value of collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers and those using maternity services.
He said bringing together different perspectives would help ensure improvement efforts were informed by evidence, clinical expertise and the experiences of patients and families.
Mr Butler also highlighted the importance of maintaining services that are safe, equitable, sustainable and responsive to changing needs.
Partnership to support staff and share best practice
The new forum will provide opportunities for healthcare organisations to share knowledge and identify improvements that could be introduced across the region.
This will include supporting quality improvement initiatives, encouraging shared learning and helping to develop maternity and neonatal services.
The partnership will also consider how closer cooperation can support the healthcare workforce and improve the experiences of patients.
By bringing together representatives from different parts of the Health and Social Care system, the Department hopes to strengthen coordination and encourage a consistent approach to service improvement.
Department of Health outlines commitment to better outcomes
Department of Health Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar formally launched the partnership at an event attended by representatives from across the health and social care sector.
He described the initiative as a demonstration of the commitment to working collaboratively to improve care for women, babies and families.
Mr Farrar said meaningful and lasting improvements would depend on organisations sharing their knowledge, expertise and experiences.
He also highlighted the importance of supporting staff while developing services that meet the needs of families across Northern Ireland.
The launch marks the beginning of the partnership’s work, with members expected to agree priorities and identify opportunities for regional improvements in maternity and newborn care.
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External link: Northern Ireland Department of Health official website