Improving maternity and neonatal care
We are improving maternity and neonatal services in Scotland to ensure that they provide the right care for every women and baby, and give all children the best start in life.
In 2015 these services underwent a national review through which we developed The best start: a five-year forward plan for maternity and neonatal care in Scotland, published in January 2017.
Implementation
In February 2017 we appointed Jane Grant, Chief Executive, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to lead the Implementation Programme Board that will implement the five-year plan. The Board met for the first time on 9 June 2017.
Implementation of the Best Start Programme was remobilised in May 2022, following a pause in implementation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Board met for the final time in December 2024, and the vast majority of the Best Start recommendations have been implemented or are well underway. We are continuing to support NHS Health Boards as they introduce Continuity of Carer and the new model of neonatal intensive care outlined in the Best Start.
Guidance
We have also published the following guidance:
- Maternity pathway and schedule of care: clinical guidance and schedule (February 2025)
- Birthplace decisions: information for pregnant women and partners on planning where to give birth (February 2025)
- Racialised Health Inequalities Action Plan, Interpretation Toolkit and Evidence and Data resource (NHS Scotland)
- Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland, and Progesterone Pathway, (NHS Scotland)
Background
The plan for maternity and neonatal care in Scotland updates and builds upon Neonatal Care in Scotland: A Quality Framework, published in March 2013.