WORCESTERSHIRE residents can now refer themselves directly to a midwife to start their antenatal care as soon as they find out they are pregnant.

A new online self-referral form puts those who are pregnant in direct contact with midwives at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Justine Jeffrey, director of Midwifery at the Trust, said: “If you are having a baby you should start your antenatal care as soon as possible once you know you're pregnant to make sure that you are informed about the recommended antenatal care.

“The new self-referral form means there is no need to contact a GP to or call a maternity hub to access maternity care anymore. Instead, the form can be filled in online, which is quick, easy and available 24 hours a day.

“This gives us all the information we need to start pregnancy care planning in one place, at the push of a button.”

Every year around 5,000 babies are born at Worcestershire Royal Hospital which means that every month, more than 400 people begin their pregnancy care.

Ms Jeffrey added: “The earlier someone tells us that they are pregnant, the earlier we can engage with them on their pregnancy journey. 

“We’re pleased to have worked together with our Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) to ensure those who use our service have been involved in this new development.”

The self-referral form is available at: www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/pregnant

For more information about Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s maternity services go to: www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/maternity.