Thousands of expectant mothers in the East of England are utilizing a new NHS self-referral service for maternity care. Women can refer themselves directly to local services by completing an online form, eliminating the need for a GP visit. NHS England officials indicate this system increases control for women during pregnancy. Initial data shows significant uptake in referrals across various NHS trusts, with potential to reduce GP calls and appointments. Users report a straightforward process, with quick follow-up from community midwives for first appointments and necessary screenings.
"Wendy Matthews, NHS England's chief midwife for the region, said the referral system was a 'leap forward in helping women have more control' through their pregnancies."
"Grace Sutton, from March, Cambridgeshire, said she found the system to be 'a really simple process'."
"Once I had completed the form, I got a call within 48 hours from the community midwife about booking my appointment... it was really straightforward and reassuring to get the first appointment quickly."
"The new service could lead to 180,000 fewer calls to GPs - and up to 30,000 fewer general practice appointments each year."
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