Women and families across Lancashire can seek the support of an advocate if something has gone wrong during their maternity or neonatal care, being one of the first areas to introduce this role.

The new advocate will initially service those who have received care at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.

They aim to ensure the voices of women and families are listened to and acted upon by health providers when they have experienced difficulties during their maternity care.

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Those difficulties may include, a baby dying before they were born, a mother dying, the baby being diagnosed with a brain injury or a mother having care in an intensive care unit.

Louise Peacock is the new advocate for Lancashire and South Cumbria, who will be able to attend meetings, support families through investigations or a complaints procedure and help service users understand the system.

She said: “I am here to help you and your family to be listened to by your maternity and neonatal care teams. 

“You do not need to be sure if there were mistakes or negligence in your or your baby’s care to ask for my support.”

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Though adverse outcomes in maternity care are very rare, Louise will be able to provide vital support and ensure those affected are listened to.

The role was co-produced by NHS England working alongside maternity and neonatal service users and staff, following actions identified in the Ockenden review into maternity care at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust.

For more information, you can visit the website.

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