In brief

In Walsall research had shown that there were families whose maternity and perinatal circumstances (the time between conception, through pregnancy, birth and including the first six months of a baby’s life) were significantly poorer than those of the population around them. These families were identified as being in lower socio-economic groups and belonging to specific BME groups.

In response to this, the Walsall shared leadership team was formed. The project team’s aim was to ensure all Mirpuri, Indian Gujurati and Bangladeshi families of child bearing age living in Palfrey, Walsall, had access to culturally competent preconception, antenatal and postnatal maternity services within two years of the start of the project.

The team members used a series of initiatives, including increased cultural engagement, development of culturally appropriate services and education sessions, to try and make positive changes to the health outcomes of these families.

The project ran for two years from October 2007.

The shared leadership team brought together representatives from NHS Walsall, Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust and Surestart Palfrey Children’s Centre.