Birthing choices supported with extra investment

The Department of Health has responded to the recent review of maternity services by the Healthcare Commission with the announcement of additional investment to support birthing choices on the NHS.

An additional increase of 122 million pounds a year over the next three years has been promised to guarantee a full range of birthing choices for prospective mothers with the best possible care given to these individuals.

These funds will support the implementation of the Maternity Matters strategy with modernised birthplace options, increased flexibility of the opening hours of maternity services and increased capacity of both maternity and neonatal services.

Alan Johnson, health minister, said: “Bringing a new baby into the world is a life-changing experience for every mother.

“It is only right that care is designed around the needs of mothers and their partners from the very beginning of pregnancy right through to personal post-natal care.”

He added that the NHS should provide top-quality maternity services to patients all over the country, while noting that England is already one of the safest places to give birth worldwide.

In November 2007, the Healthcare Commission report found that maternity services provided on the NHS were generally good, but also found that there exists a wide disparity between different trusts.