A policy briefing is available for LKS staff to share in their organisations.  Produced by the JET Library at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  Feel free to reproduce it (with acknowledgement).

What does this mean for libraries? There is a focus on evidence based practice and development of innovative ideas which LKS staff can support by providing access to the literature. There may also be opportunities for LKS to be involved in sharing lessons learnt and best practice within their local organisations. LKS can also support healthcare professionals through training and access to spaces where e-learning can be completed.

Source: Department of Health

Link to main document 

Date of publication: 28 November 2017

Summary of driver: This document outlines progress against the Safer Maternity Care action plan that was published in October 2016.

Data shows reductions in stillbirths are on target for 2020, but more is needed to tackle neonatal and maternal deaths to achieve the reductions needed to achieve 2020 targets.

Providing Better, Safer Care:

• 44 Local Maternity Systems to create maternity transformation plans by October 2017 to deliver the Better Births by 2020/21 vision.
• Over 90% of trusts appointed a named board-level Maternity Safety Champion and obstetric and midwifery Maternity Safety Champions.
• The Saving Babies’ Lives care bundle is being implemented by the majority of providers.
• Other priorities include reducing smoking in pregnancy, immunisation against influenza and pertussis, reducing the number of babies born pre-term and better mental health care for new and expectant mothers.
• Provision of funding for multidisciplinary team training.
• A network of maternal medicine specialists across the country to care for pregnant women with significant health conditions.
• Avoiding term admissions to neonatal care (Atain) via e-learning programme.

Improving the quality of information reviews and investigations:

• The Perinatal Mortality Review Tool.
• Creating standards to investigate term stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths and serious brain injuries.
• Support for bereaved families and rapid resolution and redress.
• Proposals for Coroners’ to conduct investigations into stillbirths.

Improving learning and quality improvement:

• The Maternal and Neonatal Health Safety Collaborative aims to improve safety and outcomes and reduce variation.
• Funding to launch “Each Baby Counts Learn and Support” programme.
• 25 Trusts bid for a share of the £250,000 Maternity Safety Innovation Fund.
• National Bereavement Care Pathway.