Frew raises concerns over postnatal care in Northern Trust

Inset: North Antrim MLA Paul Frew

Concerns raised by new mothers in the Ballymena area about postnatal care arrangements have prompted intervention from North Antrim MLA Paul Frew, who sought urgent clarification from health officials after reports that women were being asked to attend clinic appointments just days after giving birth.

Mr Frew said he had been contacted by constituents worried about a move towards centralised postnatal appointments within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, requiring mothers and newborn babies to attend clinics as early as day three after birth.

He warned that such changes could place unnecessary pressure on families during an already vulnerable time.

“I have recently been contacted by concerned constituents regarding changes to postnatal care services in Northern Ireland in the Northern Trust,” he said.

“The core concern that new mothers have been raising with me is the move to centralise postnatal appointments and require mothers and newborn babies to attend clinics from as early as day three postpartum.”

Mr Frew said the prospect of leaving home so soon after birth was particularly difficult for women recovering from complex pregnancies or surgery.

“This is a significant upheaval for new mothers to have to leave the comfort and security of their homes at such an early stage to attend an appointment, particularly for mothers who have undergone significant surgery during their pregnancy,” he added.

“It is concerning to hear that new mothers in the Ballymena area are being asked to attend in person appointments, care in the home is critical at this early stage.”

Minister confirms home visits remain default

Following the concerns, Mr Frew wrote to the Health Minister and the Interim Head of Maternity and Gynaecology Services within the Northern Trust seeking clarity on the situation and assurances that home-based care would remain available.

He said responses from both officials confirmed that home visits remain the standard model of care.

“The Minister has confirmed to me that postnatal home visiting continues to be the default model of care and that a clinic-based option is available, which women may opt to attend if they wish,” Mr Frew said.

“This is the right course of action and one that should not have been changed.”

The Trust has also confirmed it will withdraw locally developed letters that suggested most postnatal care would take place in clinics.

In their place, a single Trust-wide information leaflet will be developed outlining women’s rights and choices around postnatal care.

Choice of care setting

Mr Frew said he hopes the clarification will address concerns raised by mothers across his constituency.

“I hope that this will resolve the issues that many new mothers have been experiencing in my constituency,” he said.

“New mothers should have the choice to choose between clinic or at home appointments, they should not feel pressured to attend a clinic-based appointment.”

He added that he would continue monitoring the issue and encouraged anyone experiencing difficulties to contact his office.

Trust reassures mothers

Speaking to Love Ballymena and responding to the concerns, a spokesperson for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust reiterated that home visits remain the primary model of postnatal care.

“The Northern Health and Social Care Trust can confirm that home visits remain the default model for postnatal care,” the spokesperson said.

“In addition, a clinic-based option is available for those who prefer the convenience of a scheduled appointment time.

“We want to reassure all mums that the choice of postnatal care setting rests entirely with them, and home visits will continue to be offered to everyone who chooses this option.”

At a glance

• North Antrim MLA Paul Frew raised concerns about postnatal care arrangements in the Northern Trust.

• Ballymena mothers reported being asked to attend clinic appointments as early as three days after giving birth.

• Frew contacted the Health Minister and maternity services leadership seeking clarification.

• The Minister confirmed that home visits remain the default model of postnatal care.

• Clinic appointments are available as an optional alternative for mothers who prefer them.

• The Northern Trust will withdraw letters suggesting most care would take place in clinics.

• A new Trust-wide leaflet will outline women’s rights and choices regarding postnatal care.

• Frew says mothers should feel free to choose home visits without pressure to attend clinics.