Tracey Fletcher Chief Executive Officer
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Homerton Row
London E9 6SR
By email to: tracey.fletcher@homerton.nhs.uk

Copied to: Daniel Waldren (Divisional Operations Director)
by email to: daniel.waldron@homerton.nhs.uk

Dear Tracey Fletcher

I am shocked to hear that the Hackney Homebirth Service is in jeopardy and would like to urge you to reconsider the proposed changes.

I have been a Hackney Resident for 11 years and teach antenatal classes in the area. I have worked with hundreds of parents-to-be and have noticed in the last couple of years that the fears and concerns they have during pregnancy have changed. More and more now there is a growing distrust and worry about the care they do and will receive within the NHS.

As a direct result of this I have seen an increase in those parents looking into and deciding on a homebirth to take advantage of the dedicated, professional and wonderful service that has been provided by this team. Women with complex needs such as VBAC have been accommodated. There has been a ‘can do’ attitude that has empowered the women in their care.

To hear that amazing midwives, such as Angela Barry, have been moved away from this team, at such short notice meaning they will be unable to support their caseloaded women as planned for the rest of their pregnancies, births and postnatal periods is shocking and, frankly, impossible to understand.

I am advised that at a level of four team members it will be impossible for the Homerton to guarantee a 24 hour 7 days a week homebirth service. This will make a real difference to the choices available to women in Hackney and choice is paramount to a woman when it concerns birthing her child.

May I remind you of the Homerton University Hospital’s Maternity ‘Philosophy of Care’ which states that:

“Our philosophy of care is based on respect for pregnancy as a state of health and childbirth as a normal, healthy, physiological process. Pregnancy and birth are very significant events in a woman’s life and that of her family. The care we provide will aim to respect the diversity of women’s needs and the variety of personal and cultural values that women, families and communities bring to these events. Care will be continuous, personal and responsive to a woman’s health, social and emotional needs. We aim to keep women informed at all times of the progress of their pregnancy and likewise any issues that arise during their care. We will encourage decision-making as a shared responsibility between the woman, her family and her care-givers. To facilitate this, care provision must include evidence based information, education and counselling support to enable the woman to make informed choices.”
 
If the decision is upheld the fall-out will be so much bigger than moving two team members. Reducing choice has the potential to change the birthing experience for every woman in the borough of Hackney, for the worse.

I would be grateful for your urgent response to my concerns.

Yours sincerely
 

KATRINA BERRY