Llais welcomes rollout of Call for Concern in maternity and neonatal wards
Llais has welcomed the launch of the maternity and neonatal element of Call for Concern across Wales. The new arrangements build on the wider all-Wales Call for Concern framework, giving people and their families clearer routes to raise urgent concerns when someone's condition is deteriorating.
Call for Concern builds on learning from pilots across Wales and reflects internationally recognised approaches, including Ryan's Rule in Australia and Martha's Rule in England.
Over recent months, Llais has worked with the Call for Concern leads, the NHS Wales Acute Deterioration Team and partners across Wales to help develop the all-Wales framework and supporting public information. Through the involvement of our Insights and Engagement team and volunteers, we helped ensure the information and approach were accessible, person-centred and in line with the People's Principles.
As hosts of the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership Cymru (MVP Cymru), Llais helped facilitate the involvement of regional Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnerships in the development of the maternity and neonatal element of Call for Concern. Their insight and feedback helped to make sure the approach reflects the experiences and priorities of women, parents and families using maternity and neonatal services.
Professor Medwin Hughes, Chair of Llais, said:
"At the heart of good care is listening. Call for Concern represents an important step in strengthening the voice of people and families across Wales. By providing a clear route to raise concerns, it supports a culture where people are encouraged to speak up and where services are responsive to those concerns.
We particularly welcome the inclusion of maternity and neonatal services, helping to make sure that women and their families are heard at what can be one of the most important and vulnerable times in their lives."
Alyson Thomas, Chief Executive of Llais, said:
"Families often notice changes in a loved one's condition before anyone else. It is essential that they have confidence that their concerns will be heard and acted upon.
"We are pleased to have worked alongside NHS Wales colleagues, our volunteers and partner organisations to help develop the all-Wales Call for Concern framework and make sure the supporting information is clear and accessible.
The development of Call for Concern is a positive example of co-production in practice. By listening to people's experiences and applying the People's Principles, we have helped create an approach that puts people and families at its centre.
Through our role as hosts of Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership Cymru, we know how important it is that women, parents and families feel able to speak up if they are worried about their own health or the health of their baby.”