Swansea Bay Maternity Review – Our Position

Back in December 2023, Swansea Bay University Health Board told us they were going to be starting an independent review into maternity services.  This was after we had heard about bad experiences and problems about the service that were also raised in the Health Inspectorate for Wales report in September 2023.  

This has not been an easy or a smooth process and we are working closely with families and the Health Board to move this forward so services can improve for people. 

There has been a delay of 8 months to the review.  In this time, the original chair has stepped down. Some families we are supporting raised worries about the Terms of Reference for the review, and these needed to be changed.  Families did not feel their voices were heard. They feel it is taking too long.  

It is clear from what we are hearing that the review in its current form is not working for people. We do not run the review, but things need to change so that families can have confidence that any review will put them at the centre. 

We will work with the health board to make sure this happens.  

As part of our involvement, we have asked the Health Board to write to all those using maternity services over the last 2 years to invite them to share their experiences as part of the review, and to set out the emotional support available to families who have experienced bereavement and trauma in their maternity care.  

We have also agreed to be part of any patient experience group going forward.  

3,200 babies are born each year in the Swansea Bay University Health Board area.  We know there may be a lot of you with stories to share. 

 

If you want to have your say on your experiences of maternity services, you can contact us at our Neath Port Talbot and Swansea office via email: [email protected]  

or by calling 01639 683490. 

We are your voice in health and social care.  Talk to us.  Let’s make sure everyone’s voice is included.