Working together to improve the health of parents and babies
Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council are working with NHS partners across the Local Maternity & Neonatal System (LMNS) following a successful funding bid from The Burdett Nursing Trust. This is to deliver a pre-conception education project across the county to improve the health of parents and babies.
The twelve-month public health driven pilot will look to train members of the nursing workforce to deliver pre-conception education for targeted groups and communities across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
Following a number of information sessions with key stakeholders, including health professionals from across the local health and care system, agreements are now in place with Balance Fertility to supply to the education package and Engaging Community Solutions to deliver the independent pilot evaluation.
Helen Onions, Director of Public Health for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “I am extremely excited to be able to support the launch of this project and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes this will no doubt bring across the system.
“We know that pre-conception care improves the health of both parents and babies, leading to healthier pregnancies and reduced risk of complications so babies get the best possible start in life.”
Rachel Robinson, Director of Public Health for Shropshire Council, said: “Our next step is to hold the first pilot steering group and working group in September to start moving the pilot forward at pace.”
If you have any questions relating to the pilot or feel you could contribute to the steering group, please contact the project lead Jane Holloway at jane.holloway3@nhs.net.