June 2024 – Update Newsletter
Review Update
Since the Review started in September 2022, 1,921 families are have joined the Review. We have now held over 167 family meetings. The Review team met with hundreds of families in June’s trip to Nottingham. As always, we are reviewing every aspect of maternity care provided by Nottingham City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre.
Family Get Together & Community Engagement
The Family Get Together took place on Saturday 15th June at Notts County Football Club. We are so grateful to have met with over two hundred families, across the day, to share the current progress of the Review. Donna provided an update on the work of the Review so far; this was then followed by an update by the Police; Jack and Sarah Hawkins; FPSS; and Zephyr’s. We hope that the information covered was helpful and provided families with the opportunity to discuss their experiences and concerns. Many families in attendance have told us that they would like the Review team to continue to host future Family Get Togethers. We intend to welcome families to the next event some time in October. We recognise the importance of families having the opportunity to meet each other, as well as our team – you are not alone. Charities that were in attendance included: Zephyr’s, Forever Stars, Sands United FC, Sands, Baby Lifeline, and Child Bereavement UK. On Sunday 17th June, Donna was welcomed to four services led by the pastors of the majority led black churches: God’s Vineyard Churches. Donna told the congregations about the Review’s work; the inequality in the care provided across England to women and families from minority ethnic backgrounds; and the need to increase community engagement to ensure all voices are heard. Donna’s presence was well received and we will look to continue maintaining this relationship in the future. If you know of any community groups that you think we should be engaging with, please do inform us.
The Family Psychological Support Service (FPSS)
We can appreciate how difficult it would have been for families to have received communication leading up to the event, as well as how difficult it may have been to attend the event. If you feel as though you need extra support, please contact the family psychological support service (FPSS), or a member of our team. FPSS provide free, tailored psychological support for individuals, couples, and families that are part of the Review. Anyone within the family can access the service including parents, carers, siblings, and other family members.There is no time limit to the number of sessions that you can access. If you require an interpreter, we can make FPSS aware of this requirement so that they can arrange this for you. FPSS can provide home visits, as well as offer support via video or telephone if this is preferred.