The NHS is moving towards personalised care and support plans for all everyone, for all conditions. In maternity care, this means you have more say over how you are looked after. Your care providers will take the time to understand what is important to you. Your personalised care plan may be recorded in your paper notes, in a separate document, or within your digital maternity record (if provided).
Five features of personalised care in maternity
You can choose where to go for your maternity care. You do not have to receive your care from your local hospital trust. You can also request a change of midwife if you have concerns, through the community midwives’ office.
Your care providers will take the time to understand your preferences and work with you as a team. You will be supported to make the best decisions for you with all the information and resources you need. Your choices will be supported regardless of whether they are in line with the professional recommendations or are outside general guidelines.
Your care providers will take the time to understand and record the experiences and outcomes that are important to you during your maternity journey. This can include experiences you wish to avoid, or personal health goals you wish to be supported to reach.
Your personalised care plan will include a record of all the conversations and appointments where care providers have formally discussed and agreed your care with you.
Your personalised care plan will be reviewed at each appointment. You are also able to view your personalised care plan at any time.
Personalised care plan bookets in Kent and Medway
The bump, birth and beyond personalised care booklets were launched in 2023. Training was provided to all staff involved in personalised care planning discussions.
Ask your midwife about the bump, birth and beyond personalised care plan booklet.
We welcome your feedback on your experiences with personalised care planning. If you have any concerns about your care or require a response, please report your concern.
