Under consideration PE2240: Improve Gynaecology, Fertility, Early Pregnancy and Maternity Care in Scotland
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to improve gynaecological, fertility and early pregnancy and maternity services throughout Scotland by reinstating a duty of care on GPs to provide transitioning care for gynaecology, fertility and maternity care and support, and by introducing a reactive auditing process to minimise delays and ensure the safe delivery of accessible, uniform services across health boards.
Background information
The existing early pregnancy and maternity care system in Scotland, which removes pregnancy care from GPs and mandates self-referrals, is inadequate, resulting in delays, preventable pregnancy losses, and instances of medical negligence all damaging the lives of expectant mothers and families.
In my experience, there appears to be a significant issue with the level of communication between different services and across health board boundaries. There also seems to be a lack of appreciation or awareness within services about any potential risk factors that should require increased diligence when supporting expectant mothers.
Delays in understanding and addressing any risks can have devastating consequences for expectant mothers. I would like to see these delays minimised through a triaging system and an effective and reactive auditing process. There should also be a role for GPs in co-ordinating the initial provision of services.
85 signatures