A NEW role being piloted in Somerset is now available to support women and families going through pregnancy. 

One Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate, Jane Innes, will serve the population of Somerset in the area covered by NHS Somerset.

Jane has over 30 years’ experience of the NHS. Jane started her career as a nurse, and then retrained as solicitor working solely in healthcare law.

“I have experience of dealing with highly complex and challenging situations. I know and understand the NHS, voluntary and charity sectors.

I believe in individualised, safe, kind, and compassionate care. I can help and support you with any questions and concerns regarding your care; to feel listened to, and heard, by those who provided that care, and to support through any investigations or processes that may be required, and/or signpost you to other available support services”.

The role has been created following the Ockenden review into maternity care at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust.

Jane will act as a voice to women and families when they have experienced an adverse outcome any time during their maternity and neonatal care.

This may have been a recent experience or happened some time ago. When for example,

  • A baby has died before they were born, after 24 weeks of pregnancy,
  • A baby has died in the days or weeks after they were born, up to 28 day,  
  • The mother or birthing person has died,
  • The mother or birthing person had an unexpected or unplanned removal of their womb (within 6 weeks of giving birth)
  • The mother or birthing person had an unexpected time of care in the critical or intensive care unit
  • The baby was diagnosed with a brain injury or a brain injury was suspected.

Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocates can support women, service users and families by providing advocacy. The Advocates can help them understand the maternity and neonatal healthcare system, attend follow up meetings where concerns about maternity or neonatal care are being discussed and support them through the investigation and complaints processes.