New report reflects on the first year of MNISA service in the North East and North Cumbria
In response to the Ockenden report, which recommended creating Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocates (MNISAs), the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioned People First to launch the MNISA Pilot.
This initiative offers independent advocacy to women and families who have faced ‘adverse outcomes’ such as a neonatal injury, death, or maternal death. Advocates work with families to support them through the period after these events, to guide and support them through the complexity.
This initiative provides independent advocacy to women and families involved in an adverse outcome from maternity and neonatal care, helping them to navigate investigations, complaints, and the complex health and social care system.
The service, which marked one year in August 2024, has shown positive results in its first year, with families benefiting from having a dedicated advocate to help them through challenging, often traumatic experiences. MNISAs assist in making sense of a complicated system, ensuring that families have an independent voice and support throughout the process.
However, referral rates remain low. The North East and North Cumbria Local Maternity and Neonatal Systems (NENC LMNS) are encouraging all healthcare professionals (HCPs) to refer eligible women and families to the service. Families who have been referred have found the support invaluable.
The One Year On report, reflects on the positive impact of the MNISA pilot and highlights the ongoing need to raise awareness of this vital service. Healthcare professionals are urged to offer this support to those who have experienced a serious incident and may need assistance in making a formal complaint or navigating available services.