Help to improve maternity services

Local women who have had a baby in the last five years are being invited to be part of a user forum to help improve maternity services at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides midwifery care to women living in and around York, North Yorkshire, North East Yorkshire and Ryedale - an area covering 3,400 square miles.

Women can choose to give birth at York Hospital, Scarborough Hospital or at home with midwife support - last year (April 2011 to March 2012) over 5,000 babies were born across the patch.

Steve Hogarth, Head of Midwifery at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, explained: "We know that there are mums who would like to help make a difference which is why we are asking them to come forward to take part in a user forum.

"These informal events will enable women who have recently had a baby to talk about their experiences, what they found positive and any areas where we can make improvements.

"It is also a great opportunity for new mums to network, meet new people and make friends."

The events will take place at:

• Scarborough Hospital (Postgraduate Centre Room S33) 29 January 2013, 1pm until 3.30pm

• York Hospital (LaRC Seminar Room 1), 30 January 2013, 1pm until 3.30pm

For more information or to register your attendance please contact Alison Smith, alison.smith@york.nhs.uk.