NCT comment on national communications campaign in Scotland

Released on 01/02/2010

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              NCT

NCT Press Statement

1^st February 2010

NCT COMMENT ON NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN IN SCOTLAND 

Background

The maternity service in Scotland is adapting to make sure that all women receive the best care.  “Pregnant? Tell me” is a new national communications campaign launching on 1^st February as part of the enhanced antenatal services for women within NHS Scotland.  The new system means that women no longer need to see their GP to confirm they are pregnant, or to refer them to maternity services. The process will move more quickly as women expecting a baby can be assessed by a midwife very early on. By seeing a midwife straight away, women can receive tailored care throughout their pregnancy from the word go. It also means that women can benefit from the full range of screening options available and hear important health messages in those first few important weeks.  

The campaign communications will be delivered through a variety of methods including point-of-sale information within pharmacies, outdoor advertising and online signposting to Ready Steady Baby! www.readysteadybaby.org.uk

Quote

Cynthia Clarkson, NCT Maternity Service Co-ordinator, Scotland, says; “Women can now arrange an appointment with a midwife as early as possible after learning of their pregnancy.  It is no longer necessary for a woman to see a GP first, although she may still do so if she wishes.  Seeing a midwife early in pregnancy gives women more choice and control over how their pregnancy will be cared for.” 

ENDS 

For further press information contact NCT Press Office on 020 8752 2404 or email press@nct.org.uk  For out of hours, please call 07722 839 428. The NCT has ISDN line on 020 8992 6499 – please call Press Office first to book.  The NCT - the National Childbirth Trust - is the UK’s leading charity on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood – we’re with parents all the way from bump to baby. Each year the charity supports thousands of parents through a life-changing experience, offering expert information and trusted practical and emotional support through a network of 300 local branches, helplines, classes and breastfeeding counseling and we campaign for improvements to maternity care. For more information call NCT on 0300 330 0770 or visit www.nct.org.