Services for vulnerable women

We know that some of the women who we care for at NUH Maternity need extra input and support during pregnancy.

This is aimed at keeping you and your baby safe and ensuring that all of your needs are met.

Asylum Seeker & Refugee Service

Our Specialist Midwife for asylum seekers is Deb Hampson.

Tel: 0115 883 1748

Domestic abuse service

Domestic abuse is not only an act of physical violence, women can also be subjected to emotional, sexual and financial abuse within their intimate relationships  this can be difficult to talk about. Research shows that abuse often worsens during pregnancy.

Asking for help is not always easy but please talk with your community midwife or speak to a midwife or doctor when you attend our antenatal clinic.

Maternity Staff have been trained to support women disclosing domestic abuse. 

Call the 24-hour domestic abuse helpline Tel: 0808 800 0340 or visit Womens Aid

FGM Service

Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to a practice where the genital area is cut or damaged without a medical indication. It is a traditional practice in some countries, but illegal in the UK.

It is important for us to know if this has been performed to make sure that we manage your care in pregnancy safely. Your midwife will ask about this at your first appointment. For more information see the NHS website

We have a fortnightly midwife led clinic (once per month at City Hospital and once per month at QMC) when all women with FGM are offered an appointment and an external examination. A plan for further care, and the legal issues surrounding this practice, will be discussed.

Homeless Service

Women who are homeless during their pregnancy are supported by the Specialist Midwifery Team.  This includes women who are rough sleeping, living in supported hostel accommodation and in hotels.

Our Specialist Midwife for Homelessness is Deb Hampson, Tel: 0115 883 1748

Non-English speakers

We aim to offer an independent interpreter for women who do not speak English, to ensure your voice is heard and you are able to participate fully in your plan of care.

This may be face-to-face or over the telephone.

It is unlikely that we will be able to use interpreting services continuously in labour. We will aim to discuss potential emergency scenarios in advance.

If you have a friend or family member that you wish to use to interpret for you, you should nominate this person via the independent interpreter at your first visit.

Please ask your midwife about written information in other languages.

Specialist substance misuse team

At your routine booking appointment your community midwife will talk to you about any history of drug use and routinely question you about your alcohol consumption. For more information see: 

If appropriate your midwife may recommend care by a specialist midwife who can offer additional support, expert advice and referral on to other specialist substance misuse services.

The specialist midwife may provide care in the hospital setting within a joint consultant/ substance misuse clinic to discuss additional care or scans that may be required to  ensure the best outcome for you and your baby.

The specialist midwifery team work Monday - Friday.

Tel: 0115 883 1748

Outside of these hours for urgent advice Tel: 0115 929 7791

Teenage Pregnancy Team

The Teenage Pregnancy Team consists of enthusiastic midwives and a maternity support worker who specialise in supporting pregnant teenagers. The team offers a flexible one to one service to young parents embarking on parenthood.

All teenagers under 18 are eligible and those who require it will also be supported up to 19. 

Contact the team directly on their mobiles, Monday - Friday, 9am -5pm 

Clare Hatley: 07812275550

Michaela Hill: 07812277857

Lauren Bellingham: 07812275552

Ruth Terry: 07812275553

Kirsty Raffell (MSW) 07812276990

 

What does the Pregnancy Team offer?

  • One to one service to young parents – each client is allocated a named midwife and a direct number to contact 
  • The team aims to empower teenage mothers and increase self esteem, self worth and confidence as they embark on parenthood
  • Frequent contact with midwife: at least every four weeks at the start of pregnancy leading up to every two weeks near the expected date of delivery. Midwifery care continues until four to six weeks after birth 
  • Chlamydia screening
  • C-Card – free outreach condom and lubricant distribution service in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County
  • Health promotion throughout your pregnancy
  • Referrals to Family Nurse Partnership Programme
  • Support with education (including school, college and FUTURES).’
  • Support via a Common Assessment Framework
  • Active birth classes (topics covered include: coping mechanisms in labour, getting to hospital, pain relief, ways to help your labour go more smoothly, and equipment which may help you)
  • Breastfeeding advice and support including referrals to the Be A Star campaign
  • A member of our team will be present to support you at your hospital appointments. We work closely with Dr Gemma Malin and Dr Gemma Wright at QMC.