Working in partnership to improve maternity services
Welcome to the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire Maternity and Neonatal Voice Partnership (MNVP). We ensure that voices of individuals with lived experience are at the heart of decision-making in maternity and neonatal services. Working together with our formal partner, BNSSG Integrated Care Board (BNSSG ICB), along with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to ensure that the voices of parents and families are heard across our local services.
Our mission is to provide a platform for families and individuals to influence and shape maternity and neonatal care, making sure that it meets the needs of those who use it.
What We Do
The Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire Maternity and Neonatal Voice Partnership (MNVP) is dedicated to improving maternity and neonatal services across the region. We work closely with local NHS services and other key partners to ensure that the experiences and feedback of parents and families are at the heart of service development, improvement, and decision-making.
Our work includes:
- Listening to individuals, groups, and communities: We gather and amplify the voices of parents, carers, and families who have experienced maternity and neonatal care, especially those that may be considered ‘harder to reach‘, gathering robust information about the needs and experiences of people using care services during their pregnancy and after the birth of their children.
- Collaborating with Services: We engage with the Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) local services of Maternity and Neonatology (LMNS – Local Maternity and Neonatal System) to ensure services are responsive to the needs of families.
- Shaping Policies: By sharing insights and feedback, we help shape local policies and strategies that improve care for all families.
- Raising Awareness: We work to highlight the challenges and opportunities within local maternity and neonatal services, ensuring that these issues remain a priority at both local and national levels.
Why We Exist
The Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire Maternity and Neonatal Voice Partnership (MNVP) exists to ensure that the voices of families and individuals who use maternity and neonatal services are at the heart of decision-making.
Our work is driven by the national vision outlined by NHS England, which recognizes the importance of listening to families to improve care and outcomes across maternity and neonatal services. The MNVP model, as outlined in the national guidance, places lived experience at the core of service delivery.
We collaborate with local NHS services and other stakeholders to ensure that families’ experiences and needs are consistently reflected in the design and delivery of care. By engaging with parents and families, we aim to:
- Ensure Responsive and Compassionate Care: By providing a platform for people with lived experience to share their feedback, we help shape services that are responsive, person-centred, and compassionate.
- Co-Create Solutions: We believe that families, healthcare providers, and commissioners should work in partnership to improve care. By being part of the decision-making process, families can help co-create solutions that improve the quality and safety of maternity and neonatal services.
- Promote Equity and Inclusivity: Our partnership ensures that all voices are heard, particularly those from marginalized or underrepresented groups. This includes parents from diverse communities, those with additional needs, and families who may face barriers in accessing services.
- Influence Local and National Policy: Through our collaboration with the BNSSG Integrated Care Board (ICB) and other key partners, we advocate for policies and strategies that prioritize the needs of families and reflect the feedback of those with lived experience. Our goal is to make sure that local services are continually evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Why Your Voice Matters:
- Drive Change: Your personal experiences can help shape the future of maternity and neonatal services, ensuring that they evolve in line with the real needs of families.
- Improve Safety and Quality: By listening to the voices of families, we can make evidence-based changes that lead to safer and more effective care.
- Support Better Outcomes for Families: Your input helps ensure that services are designed with the best interests of families in mind, leading to improved health outcomes and experiences for all.
The MNVP is more than just a platform for sharing feedback. It is a collaborative effort to empower families to directly influence and improve the services they receive, helping ensure that all families—regardless of their background or circumstances—have access to high-quality, equitable maternity and neonatal care.
How You Can Get Involved
We believe that everyone’s experience is valuable, and there are many ways you can get involved to help make a difference:
- Share Your Story: By sharing your experiences with us, you can help us better understand the needs of families in the region and inform service improvements.
- Join Our Meetings: Become part of the MNV Partnership and attend our regular meetings, where we discuss key issues and work with healthcare providers and the BNSSG ICB to improve services.
- Participate in Consultations: We regularly gather feedback on new initiatives, policies, and developments. Your input is vital in ensuring that changes are made in the best interests of families.
- Volunteer: Help us with outreach and engagement activities in your community, raising awareness and encouraging others to get involved.
For more details on how you can get involved, or if you’d like to share your experiences, please contact us.
Email: mnvp@bnssg.co.uk
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