Released on: 20 July 2011
The Government has today announced the launch of a strategic vision for the further transformation of maternity services and early years services. The report makes the case for helping families to give their baby the best possible start in life and sets out a vision of integrated maternity services.
NCT’s Chief Executive, Belinda Phipps said:
“We are delighted that the government holds maternity and early years as such a high priority. The paper launched today addresses many of the points the NCT raised in our 2010 manifesto – Building Blocks for Future Families in a Stable Society.
“Current policy on these issues is strong, though we still have a way to go in terms of ensuring these are delivered. Choice of place of birth, for example, as highlighted in our Location, location, location campaign report, is in need of greater support to live up to the guarantee of choice for all women.
“We welcome the focus on early access to antenatal care, and beds for fathers with babies in neonatal care particularly, as steps like these will really make a tremendous difference to families.
“With real renewed and continued commitment to maternity and early years, we will see confident and competent parents for generations to come.”
