Maternity Matters

Choice, access and continuity of care in a safe service.

An important new policy document has been published today by the Department of Health setting out the Government's commitment to offer choice in maternity services in England.

It says that by the end of 2009, four national choice guarantees will be available to all women and their partners:

1. Choice of how to access maternity care - either through a GP or self-referral directly to a midwife.
2. Choice of type of antenatal care - between midwifery care or care provided by a team of health professionals including midwives and obstetricians.
3. Choice of place of birth:
   • home birth supported by a midwife
   • birth in a midwifery unit or birth centre, supported by a midwife
   • birth in a hospital supported by a maternity team (which may include midwives, obstetricians, paediatricians and anaesthetists)
   • all women should be able to choose any available hospital.
4. Choice of postnatal care - how and where to access it, such as at home or in a community setting.

In addition, every woman will be supported by a midwife she knows and trusts throughout her pregnancy and afterwards so as to provide continuity of care.

More information is available on Chapter 2 of the report, Maternity Matters: Choice, access and continuity of care in a safe service.