A new central booking line – 0141 232 4005 – to streamline antenatal appointments is up and running throughout NHSGGC. It is part of wider changes to provide smoother and quicker access to maternity services.
Plus it will achieve the antenatal Health Improvement Efficiency Access to services and Treatment (HEAT) target of at least 80 per cent of women in each of the SIMD quintiles, securing an appointment by the 12th week of their pregnancy by April 1, 2015.
It should also lead to improvements in important health behaviours, including breast feeding rates, reducing smoking cessation rates, and substance and alcohol misuse, all leading to a positive impact on long-term public health.
By calling the number women are given an appointment with a named midwife and a scan slot. A SCI Gateway information request is then sent to the GP with details of the two appointments, asking for the information to be provided in advance of the booking appointment.
As far as possible, women will be offered appointments close to the GP, and their local hospital, to ensure improved continuity of care. There will be exceptions to the new booking system. For example if the GP considers that a patient needs to be seen very early or should be seen first by an obstetrician, the usual SCI referral can be followed.
