Government launches comparison tool for maternity services

A new online tool allowing expectant parents to compare maternity services has been unveiled by the government.

Available on the NHS website, the service is designed to help mothers and fathers-to-be select the right facilities for their needs.

Public health minister Anne Milton said the tool will bring key information together in one place, such as opening times, the provision of additional services and patient recommendations.

"It is vital we help people get enough information to make the right choice for themselves," Ms Milton commented.

She added that the NHS "should make sure that patients have some way of finding out about services they can get".

The online tool was also welcomed by Dr Anthony Falconer, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Figures published by the NHS last month revealed that rates of caesarean delivery vary significantly between health trusts and hospitals, prompting midwives to complain of a "postcode lottery" in maternity care.