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Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocacy

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Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocates (MNISA) support people to have their voice heard throughout investigations and complaints into care received in maternity and neonatal departments.

If you have received Maternity and/or Neonatal care in the North East or North Cumbria ICB area and need support, People First can help you. For the full list of ICB Trusts we cover go to the FAQ section. 

It is recognised that the NHS doesn’t always get things right and it can be challenging for people to raise concerns and complaints. If you received treatment, or care, which you are unhappy about and you are or want to have this investigated, we can help.


Who can access Maternity and Neonatal advocacy and what do we mean by adverse outcomes?

During our pilot phase, the Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate will be able to support you if you have experienced any of the following outcome:

  • After 24 weeks of pregnancy, your baby died before or during birth
  • Your baby died within 28 days of being born
  • Your baby has a brain injury or a brain injury is suspected
  • You were cared for on a critical or intensive care unit and this was unexpected
  • You had an unexpected or unplanned hysterectomy (removal of your womb) within 6 weeks of giving birth
  • The baby's mother or birthing person has died

Download our Guide to Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocacy

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Easy read documents
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What can our Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocates help you do?

  • Feel confident to raise your concerns
  • Understand the investigations and complaints processes
  • Know who to raise your concerns to
  • Explore your rights and options
  • Find our more about other services
  • Ensure care providers listen to you

How to make an NHS Complaint

The NHS Complaints Process may be the best route to follow if:

  • Your raised concerns haven’t been resolved fully
  • What happened raises serious questions about standards of care
  • You wish to raise complex issues which require investigation

We have created a step by step guide on making an NHS complaint. Our easy to use guide features letter templates for making a complaint and consent forms.

How to make a NHS complaint guide

Our values shape everything we do

Meet the team

Meet the full team
  • Meet the team page
    Annette
    Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate
  • Ellie
    Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate
  • Jan
    Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate
      “Annette has a background in Human Resources and has worked in a variety of organisations in different roles. She has done many different things, but people are always at the heart of everything she does. She is passionate about equality and fairness and never afraid to speak up to ensure people’s rights stay protected, their voices are heard, and everyone is treated with kindness and respect.”
      "Jan has worked for over 25 years supporting and advocating for families during their most difficult times following life changing events and trauma, this alongside her own personal experiences of maternity care has given her the skills and passion to offer compassionate support to families with the determination to ensure that all individuals are respected, listened to, heard, and their wishes acted upon."
      “Ellie is a qualified advocate who has lots of experience working alongside people to ensure that they are at the heart of all decisions involving them. With an educational background in human rights, she is passionate about promoting the equality of every person. Her experience and knowledge will ensure that she can help you understand your rights and options, and support you to have your voice heard."

    Frequently Asked Questions

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