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National guidelines for maternity services liaison committees (MSLCs)

  • Document type:
    Guidance
  • Author:
    Department of Health
  • Published date:
    13 February 2006
  • Primary audience:
    Professionals
  • Publication format:
    Electronic only
  • Gateway reference:
    6151
  • Pages:
    35
  • Copyright holder:
    Crown

These guidelines inform healthcare managers, commissioners, practitioners and others on ways in which local Maternity Services Liaison Committees (MSLCs) can work effectively and contribute to improving maternity services in line with the needs and wishes of local women.

These guidelines incorporate Standard 11 of the National Service Framework (NSF) for children, young people and maternity services, the requirements of Section 11 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001 (Strengthening Accountability) and the organisational structures defined under Commissioning a Patient Led NHS.

They include practice examples and reference details to enable local initiatives to build on the experience of other groups, together with self-assessment tools and detailed guidance on establishing a Committee and making it effective.

It should be noted that these are guidelines, and therefore not prescriptive.  It is for the local maternity services community to use the guidelines as best fits the local situation.

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