Walking in their shoes through maternity services
For their visit this year, the MNVPs focused on the experiences of women who are new to the country, or who speak English as an additional language. It was a valuable and satisfying piece of engagement work, strengthening collaboration between staff and the communities they serve. We’d like to thank One Ummah Community, Happy MOMents, the Maternity Befrienders, and all the maternity staff who contributed to the visit.
“We worked with these women, many of whom are new to the UK and navigating maternity care with limited English.
They shared both positive experiences and deeply personal challenges but also how they sometimes felt unseen in mainstream services.
Their voices have often been missing from this kind of work, so inviting them to take part in a 15 Steps visit at Pinderfields was a turning point.
Their feedback was honest, brave, and highlighted how care can be more culturally sensitive and inclusive. Working with the group in this way – rather than a digital survey or a feedback form – meant that we were able to create a personal relationship, with trust and respect; and make sure their voices have been heard.”
Stacey Harrower, Chair, Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership for Wakefield District
Key findings
- Communication and language barriers significantly affect safety and experience.
- Access to early antenatal care and navigation of services is inconsistent.
- Experiences of intrapartum and postnatal care vary widely, with kindness valued, but gaps in safety, consent, and cultural sensitivity.
In October, the MNVP Leads presented this report to some of the Matrons and Band 7 Managers at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust. They discussed the feedback with staff who attended and presented 11 recommendations for improvements. They will monitor progress and report back on any changes made.
Downloads
If you need this report in a different format, please email enquiries@healthwatchwakefield.co.uk or call 01924 787379.
