Standards summary
Maternity standards
Principles of care.
NHS boards ensure all women and babies have equitable, high-quality, safe and compassionate maternity care which respects their rights, preferences and choices.
Reducing inequalities.
NHS boards actively work to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for women and their babies.
Leadership and culture.
Maternity services have effective leadership, robust clinical governance and a culture of openness and learning.
Service planning and facilities.
NHS boards ensure services and facilities deliver safe, high-quality maternity care.
High performing and functioning teams.
Maternity care is delivered by high-performing and functioning multidisciplinary teams.
Antenatal care.
NHS boards ensure timely, safe and effective antenatal care.
Intrapartum care.
NHS boards ensure timely, safe and effective intrapartum care.
Postnatal and newborn care.
NHS boards ensure timely, safe and effective postnatal and newborn care.
Unscheduled, emergency and critical care
NHS boards ensure women and babies receive unscheduled, emergency and critical care that is timely, safe and effective.
Mental health and wellbeing.
NHS boards ensure women and their babies can access mental health and wellbeing support that is timely, equitable, consistent and trauma informed.
Loss and bereavement.
Women who experience pregnancy or baby loss have compassionate, person-centred, trauma-informed care and support.