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Improving the quality of care and treatment delivered by NHSScotland

Report on SWHMR to Scottish Executive

SWHMR Final Report

Guidance for Maternity Professionals

21366 NHSQIS (SWHMR)Project

About the Record

The Scottish Woman-Held Maternity Record was developed as part of the implementation of A framework for maternity services in Scotland with core funds from the Chief Nursing Officer. It is a national, standardised woman-held maternity record for women and maternity care staff in NHS Scotland. The project group which developed it had representation from all major disciplines connected with maternity care including GPs and other professionals in primary care, midwifery, obstetrics and gynaecology, pregnancy and newborn screening, and other specialist medical groups, in addition to groups concerned with data and data systems, and relevant charities and voluntary groups. The final record was produced after wide and very supportive consultation with lay and professional stakeholders.
 
This record supports a more uniform approach to maternity care in Scotland, and facilitates standardised information collection and documentation. It supports multidisciplinary working and communication of the highest quality. National uptake will promote a seamless delivery of maternity care, regardless of geography, through the sharing of relevant information. Its woman-centred, holistic approach promotes pregnancy and childbirth as normal events.
 
The Guidance on the use of the record should be issued to the healthcare professionals completing the records. This gives instructions on how to complete the record and provides explanation and background. Reference to the guidance will be necessary.
 
The Pregnancy Record is commenced at the booking appointment and is typically woman-held, during the antenatal period. The Maternity Summary Record is also initiated at this point and held by a maternity care professional.
 
Labour and Birth inserts, depending on circumstances, are added to the Pregnancy Record, and retained within the relevant maternity unit following birth. Please note that these inserts are a smaller size to allow important information on the Pregnancy Record to remain visible.
 
The Postnatal Record is typically woman-held.

Project Archive

The Scottish Woman-Held Maternity Record - Project Information  
This information relates to the implementation of the project and is retained for reference purposes only

Equality and Diversity

NHS QIS is committed to equality and diversity. This document has been assessed for any likely impact on the six equality groups defined by age, gender, race/ethnicity, religion/faith, disability and sexual orientation and the cross cutting strands defined as, poverty, homelessness, language and social origin, criminal justice system, mental health issues and marital including civil partnership. Details of the equality and diversity impact assessment are available  here