Key Summary
- New NHS online tool lets pregnant women book midwife appointments without seeing a GP
- Over 60,000 have used it since March, with most NHS trusts now connected
- The service aims to speed up care, reduce GP workload, and improve early screening
A new NHS England online service helps mums-to-be get access to midwives without having to consult a GP.
This service enables families to choose which NHS trust to refer themselves to, helping them to meet their midwife and begin NHS pregnancy care.
Expectant mums can clear their doubts regarding their pregnancy and with regard to potentially high-risk cases arrange screening tests.
While most women do not need to see a GP before they start their pregnancy care with their midwife, but those with health complications can consult GPs.
Since March, nearly 60,000 newly pregnant women have used the online referral tool, now adopted by over three-quarters of NHS trusts in England, with a total of about 85,000 people accessing it for information and support.
It is estimated that the new service could also lead to 180,000 fewer calls to GPs and up to 30,000 fewer general practice appointments each year.
Early approach to the midwives can lead to early antenatal screening, which could make the support more effective for the mums-to-be.
NHS chief midwife Kate Brintworth said: “It’s so important that newly pregnant women get the support they need as soon as possible, so this new tool makes it easier than ever to book that all-important first maternity care appointment.”
Health secretary, Wes Streeting, said, “Early pregnancy should be about joy and excitement – not wrestling with NHS bureaucracy to book a midwife appointment.
“That’s why we’ve overhauled the online referral system. No more endless phone calls or form-filling. Just a simple online service that lets you book those crucial first appointments with a few clicks.
