Would you like to help make a difference to local maternity services? Then simply let us know what would have improved your baby's birth.
If you've had a baby in the last five years either at Epsom or St Helier hospitals, or at home, we would like to hear about your experience.
What is the maternity services liaison committee (MSLC)?
The MSLC brings together a group of individuals who all have an interest in maternity care. The MSLC meetings give you the opportunity to voice your views and ideas regarding our maternity services.
The MSLC is made up of about 20 people, although not all attend every meeting. The committee meets every two months. Meetings are held at Epsom or St Helier hospitals. The group members include new parents who live locally, midwives, midwife supervisors, doctors and other healthcare professionals involved in maternity services.
Representatives of nearby voluntary groups also come to the meetings, such as Connexions (a local teenage support organisation). You don't have to attend all the meetings. If you only want to come just once, that would still benefit the group.
What help will I get?
You will receive:
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an MSLC information pack;
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informal session with the MSLC chair to give you more information about the MSLC and your role before attending your first meeting;
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a visit to the maternity units at both Epsom and St Helier Hospitals;
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support of other MSLC members;
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reimbursement of public transport or parking fees paid;
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meetings are usually held between 10am and 11.15am (refreshments provided);
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two lunchtime meetings are held during the year between 12.45pm and 2pm (light lunch provided);
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you are welcome to bring your baby or child to the meetings.
What difference can I make?
Your views are essential to improving maternity services in the ways that parents want. The MSLC is one of the main routes that health workers get to hear the real opinions and experiences of parents using the maternity services.
This is an opportunity to make a difference in person within a friendly/supportive environment where your comments will be taken on board. You will be able to discuss any aspect of the antenatal, labour and postnatal care in addition to thoughts you may have to make the services more sensitive to the needs of women and their families.
Being on a committee like the MSLC can give you a chance to network with other parents and gain new skills/confidence to help you with other work you may do.
If you do not wish to attend a meeting, but have a particular issue you would like resolved or raised at the meeting, please contact Ann Yardley (see box on the right).
