College responds to updated guidance for pregnant women on self-referrals

College Chair Kamila Hawthorne commented on updated NHS guidance that says pregnant women can now self-refer to midwives and bypass their GP, in order to free up more appointments in primary care.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “It’s vital that women are able to access the most appropriate person-centred care from the earliest stages and throughout their pregnancy. In most cases this will be provided by midwife teams, so this initiative, as long as it is implemented correctly, makes sense.

“It’s important that women in early pregnancy still know they can come to their GP directly with any concerns about their pregnancy or health - and for women with existing health conditions, we would advise that they remain in contact with their GP as their pregnancy progresses. Anyone that has any issues accessing online referrals can also still be referred to appropriate maternity care through their GP practice.

“GPs are highly trained to provide care to patients throughout their life course, and can also help with referrals and signposting for further support as needed. It will also be key that once this initiative has been implemented that there is good record sharing between GPs and maternity service so we can ensure that our patients get joined up care.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.