Everyone’s voice matters at the Health Board Maternity Voice Partnership

By Lucy Ashton

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has taken another step forward in shaping the future of maternity care by hosting its first in-person Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) event, bringing together women, families, and maternity professionals to share experiences and co-create better services.

Held at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, the event welcomed around 50 attendees, including mothers, midwives, doulas, nurses, and third sector partners. This face-to-face gathering marked the latest phase in NHSGGC’s ongoing maternity public engagement journey, which began with surveys and virtual discussions.

The MVP is a collaborative network designed to ensure that the voices of women and families are at the heart of maternity care. It provides a safe, open space for honest conversations about everything from the NHSGGC’s maternity and neonatal strategy to the induction of labour and ward visiting times.

Director of Midwifery at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Mary Ross-Davie, said:“The benefit of the MVP is to give women a voice, initiate discussion across different elements of maternity care, and ensure we’re listening to ideas for improvement, whether that’s in staffing, environment, or how we deliver safe and effective care.”

The event highlighted NHSGGC’s commitment to listening and learning directly from those who matter most, parents. By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, the MVP empowered women to influence real change.

Mum and participant, Katie Mcerlean, said: “I was in two minds about coming, but I thought, if we’re going to help drive change, I want to be part of that. It’s a really nice environment, very open, and it’s your chance to put your point across and make the service better for everyone.”

Mum and participant, Laura Jamieson, said:  “It’s been fantastic to hear about the improvements being made and to feel heard. There’s a real push to improve maternity services, and it’s great to be part of that.”

Mum and participant, Hannah Alderbert, said:  “It’s important that we use our experiences to influence and create change. The team has been fantastic, accommodating us and even our children. They’ve made it really easy for us to be involved.”

NHSGGC encourages all parents to take part in future MVP events, complete surveys, and join the conversation online.

For more information on how you can join the Maternity Voices Partnership click here.