Somerset Maternity Services Liaison Committee (MSLC)

This web page has been designed to let pregnant women, their partners, mothers and fathers know about what the Maternity Services Liaison Committee does. We also want to make sure that you know how you can have your say about the  services that are provided for you.

What is the MSLC?

The MSLC is a committee which advises Somerset Primary Care Trust as commissioners of services on the provision of maternity services in Somerset and  the care provided to pregnant women and their partners and the parents of new babies. The MSLC makes sure that the commissioners  listen to and take account of the views and experiences of the people who use  local maternity services.

Who provides Maternity Services in Somerset ?

Maternity Services are provided by :

Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust at Musgrove Park Hospital and Bridgwater Community Hospital, Mary Stanley Wing

Wiltshire Community Health Services at Princess Anne Wing, Royal United Hospital NHS Trust, Bath, Frome and Shepton Mallet Maternity Units

Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Weston Area Health Trust

What does the MSLC do?

The MSLC monitors what services are being provided to expectant and new parents and recommends changes and improvements. It acts as a voice for the people who use these services.

Who attends the Maternity Services Liaison Committee?  

The following people are members of the Maternity Services Liaison Committee:

• User Representatives
• Senior  Managers from the Primary Care Trust who have responsibility for developing and commissioning  Midwifery Services
• Midwifery Managers from local maternity service areas
• Managers from Children’s Services within the Primary Care Trust
• Health Visitors
• Midwives
• Obstetricians
• GPs
• Social care
  
  

What does the Maternity Services Liaison Committee not do?

We are very interested in hearing comments and suggestions from women and their partners who are using, or have recently used, local maternity services. However we are unable to deal with queries from individuals about their care or deal with complaints.

If you have questions about your maternity care, you can speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP. If you would like to discuss your birth experience, in confidence, with a qualified midwife counsellor, you should contact your hospital for help and advice.
If you wish to raise concerns about your care, you can speak to your midwife, GP or health visitor.

You can also contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service by clicking here, would include links to each NHS Trust pals service as well so that the concerns go to the right Trust which is free, impartial, confidential and:

• offers advice and support to patients, their families and carers
• provides information on NHS services
• listens and responds to concerns, suggestions or queries
• helps sort out problems quickly on your behalf.

If you'd like to know more about what goes on at our meetings, please read the information below

Maternity Services Liaison Committee Annual report  2008/09
Terms of Reference for the Maternity Services Liaison Committee
Minutes of meetings