Maternity Services Liaison Committee (MSLC)

MSLCs were set up to encourage women, midwives and doctors involved in maternity care to work together to improve the services offered to local women. The MSLC is an independent advisory body that has a key role in the successful implementation of NHS policies in respect of maternity services.

The Maternity Services Liaison Committees (MSLC) gives people with experience of maternity services in south Essex a chance to have their say about local maternity services. These services include antenatal appointments, care at the time of the birth of your baby (in hospital or at home) and the care you received after you had your baby both in hospital and once you got home.

South Essex has two well-established Maternity Services Liaison Committees with membership that includes lay members, clinical staff from Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, National Childbirth Trust, Breast feeding and other community groups, managers of Maternity Services, representatives from public health and the Primary Care Trust. The groups meet approximately six times a year and work in partnership to discuss and plan the local maternity services.

Travel and childcare expenses are reimbursed for lay members, and training and support to help make an effective contribution to meetings is provided. One MSLC covers Basildon, Thurrock, Brentwood and Billericay, whilst the other covers Southend, Rochford, Rayleigh and Castle Point.

If you would like speak to someone about the care you received, or to make a formal complaint, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 587 9159, 9am-5pm, weekdays, or email: see-pct.pals@nhs.net