Written Question · S2W-03775 · Session 2
Which NHS boards have implemented the recommendations of the Expert Group on Acute Maternity Services Reference Report in relation to regio…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have implemented the recommendations of the Expert Group on Acute Maternity Services Reference Report in relation to regional and national planning in maternity services.
The answer
The planning and provision of maternity services is in the first place a matter for NHS boards.
Thereport of the expert group on acute maternity services (2002) makes it clearthat acute maternity services should be planned and commissioned in a regionalcontext whilst taking account of local needs, priorities and facilities. Iemphasised the importance of this approach when I responded to the proposalsmade by NHS Argyll and Clyde.
Tofacilitate this, we have provided funding for a regional maternity services co-ordinatorin each of the three regional planning groups which should ensure that all NHS boardsare adopting a pan-regional approach to planning maternity services. Each regionis about to or is currently scoping existing maternity services, taking accountexisting infrastructures and current and recent NHS board maternity servicereviews. Boards which have recently reviewed or are reviewing their maternityservices include Highland, Orkney, Shetland, Tayside, Forth Valley, Glasgow andArgyll and Clyde.
A Framework for Maternity Services (2001) also notes the importance of cross-boundary planning and statesthat NHS boards should make sure that local consultation and public involvementtakes place when planning maternity services.
I have made it clear to NHS boardsthat when considering proposals for reconfiguration I will have to be satisfied that they are consistent with these national policy documents.
Thereport of the expert group on acute maternity services (2002) makes it clearthat acute maternity services should be planned and commissioned in a regionalcontext whilst taking account of local needs, priorities and facilities. Iemphasised the importance of this approach when I responded to the proposalsmade by NHS Argyll and Clyde.
Tofacilitate this, we have provided funding for a regional maternity services co-ordinatorin each of the three regional planning groups which should ensure that all NHS boardsare adopting a pan-regional approach to planning maternity services. Each regionis about to or is currently scoping existing maternity services, taking accountexisting infrastructures and current and recent NHS board maternity servicereviews. Boards which have recently reviewed or are reviewing their maternityservices include Highland, Orkney, Shetland, Tayside, Forth Valley, Glasgow andArgyll and Clyde.
A Framework for Maternity Services (2001) also notes the importance of cross-boundary planning and statesthat NHS boards should make sure that local consultation and public involvementtakes place when planning maternity services.
I have made it clear to NHS boardsthat when considering proposals for reconfiguration I will have to be satisfied that they are consistent with these national policy documents.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-03775 by reference.