Maternal Group Clinic Pilot

Introduction

Since November 2022, we embarked on a project to tackle health inequalities in maternity care. We have been working to better understand the wider issues faced by women, including social aspects such as unemployment, housing disrepair challenges, loneliness, language barriers, and so on, as well as mental health aspects such as anxiety, depression, trauma history and severe mental illness. These issues have significant consequences in pregnancy and after birth. Therefore, early detection & support are key to enable successful maternity care.

Why group clinics?

Evidence from NHS Digital First Primary Care indicates that GP consultations with groups of patients have huge benefits for patients, both for their health and self-care.
Patients learn from other patients in a similar situation, build confidence, and feel less isolated about their condition. Group clinics provide more time than traditional GP consultations to have your questions answered. They will be led by a range of professionals that are usually involved in the care or welfare of a person, and you will be equipped with knowledge relevant to your maternity stage, which is sometimes left out or not common knowledge.

If I am invited, what will be required of me?

Simply come as you are! We only ask that you arrive at the Group Clinic on time, and if possible 5 minutes early to get settled in. In everything we do we stand on our Dignity, Care and Respect for Patients Policy. As such, we kindly ask that you respect others in the group, and treat any personal information shared by others as confidential.

How will the Group Clinic run?

Our Maternal Group Clinics are safe spaces for patients to learn and consult with professionals such as GPs, nurses, wellbeing coaches, midwives etc. The clinic will start with some time for women to get to know each other over refreshments, followed by group education and discussion, and a time for questions & answers. You will then have a chance to give us your thoughts about the clinic and how it might help you going forward.

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