Engagement opens on proposed changes to birthing services at Inverclyde Royal Hospital’s Community Maternity Unit

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Patients, families and the wider public are being encouraged to take part in the engagement process regarding proposed changes to the birthing services at the Inverclyde Royal Hospital Community Maternity Unit (CMU). 

Extensive public engagement and formal public consultation on this change was first started in 2007 and carried out over three stages. 

This current engagement process outlines the proposal that: 

• Midwife led birthing services in the Inverclyde Royal Hospital CMU would no longer be provided
• All ante-natal and postnatal services would remain at the CMU
• Women would have a choice of midwife led birthing services at either the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Princess Royal Maternity Hospital or Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
• Women would also have the option to have a home birth 

The engagement process also outlines the effort made to positively publicise the service since a previous decision was made to retain birthing services at the CMU. 

Margaret McGuire, nursing director, NHSGGC, said: “The engagement process is now open and I would especially encourage women who have used or may use the CMU, and the local community, to share their views on what the board is proposing. 

“A dedicated Patient Experience Public Involvement Manager is working together with the Stakeholder Reference Group which was set up to agree on the best ways to engage with those affected and the local communities between now and November. 

“Information on the proposal and ways in which people can engage with us can be viewed at www.nhsggc.org.uk/inform-engage-consult/IRHbirthing or people can send us their views by emailing [email protected].”