Maternity and neonatal advocate to support families

Nanette Money's new role is to support families

A new maternity and neonatal advocate has been appointed to support families who have had an "adverse outcome".

Nanette Money, who has two decades of midwifery experience, has been appointed as maternity and neonatal independent senior advocate for the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) area.

The role is one of 19 being piloted across England to help families voice concerns and ensure care providers act on them.

Ms Money said the role was independent of hospitals meaning "people can be assured of my impartiality and commitment doing my very best for them".

Adverse outcomes are classed as serious incidents including stillbirth, neonatal and maternal deaths, intensive care admission for birthing people, brain injuries and unplanned or unexpected hysterectomies.

Ms Money said: “Thankfully, adverse outcomes in maternity and neonatal care are rare, but it’s so important we have easily accessible support in place and ready to help.

“People don’t have to be certain that mistakes happened or negligence occurred in their care, but I want them to know that by contacting me I will do all I can to help them and to get their questions satisfactorily answered."

People can contact her directly, via a member of hospital staff or through your GP.