Have your say on maternity services in East Sussex

The NHS in East Sussex want to hear from women who have given birth or used their maternity services in the last three years, as well as their partners and families, as part of a project to improve services across the South East.

Tell the NHS how you found the experience of using the maternity services, both during and after the pregnancy; how you were supported, how much input you had, could you make important decisions yourself, what was good and any areas where you think there could be improvements.

To take part just complete a quick questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/EastSussexMaternity. This is strictly anonymous and should only take about 15 minutes. The survey closes in mid-December.

“The NHS knows that the best services are designed with the people that use them. Hearing from those who have actually used the services gives a real insight into what works and areas where there can be improvements to ensure that everyone has access to safe and personalised maternity care,” said Allison Cannon, Chief Nurse and Director of Quality for Sussex and East Surrey Clinical Commissioning Groups.

“We want to make sure everyone’s voice is heard – from all age groups, locations and communities, especially those who are often not heard or are under-represented and whose experiences get missed or overlooked such as the LGBT, BAME and gypsy and traveller communities. We also want to hear from those who chose to have a home birth as well as those who gave birth in an obstetric or midwife-led unit at a hospital. So if you, your partner or your family have used maternity services in East Sussex in the last three years, please spare the time to take part.”

If you are interested in working with the NHS to run a focus group for your community or if you would like to get in contact directly or request the survey in another format or language, please contact Cecily Hollingworth, by email: cecily.hollingworth@nhs.net or phone: 07788 567675.