Thursday 11 April 2024 | 15:00-16:00

Format: Presentation

Stream: Safety

Content filters: n/a

Ian Leistikow Erasmus University Rotterdam (Chair)

PART 1: Radical candour, transformational leadership and being a critical friend: Lessons from the MSSP

The national Maternity Safety Support Programme (MSSP) was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in 2018 to provide targeted support to maternity units that have been rated inadequate by the CQC or where other concerns have arisen.  About 1:3 maternity units in England are currently on the MSSP. Maternity units have been under severe media and political scrutiny, with ever increasing expectations of the general public. 

How can the MSSP be used to improve safety in maternity services, and beyond?

As a result of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the MSSP methodology: diagnostic phase utilising Appreciative Inquiry and the WESEE model; improvement phase utilising improvement coaching and peer support; and sustainability phase


• Discuss top challenges facing maternity services in the post pandemic environment, including moral injury, staff shortages, and the need for strong yet kind leadership

Sabrina Das NHS England, England

Helen McConnell Service User Representative, England

Caterina Raniolo NHS England, England

PART 2: Improving governance and safety culture within HSC maternity services in Northern Ireland

Harm within maternity services can have devastating consequences, causing lifelong disability or a tragic loss for a family. In the context of whole-system pressures and learning arising from recent reviews into NHS maternity services England, the RQIA determined that a review of maternity services in Northern Ireland was required.  An expert panel provided an independent assessment of leadership, governance and safety culture within HSC maternity services. Evidence was gathered through surveys, questionnaires, site visits and focus groups with service user representatives, HSC Trust Boards, managers and clinicians. The review team found examples of good practice and made 23 recommendations for improvement particularly around improving safety, governance and culture within organisations.

As a result of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe how to undertake a robust assessment of governance and safety culture


• Understand the current system challenges in the delivery of safe maternity care


• Describe the principles of good governance within HSC maternity services


• Understand how leaders can support safety culture


• Describe how policy makers, commissioners and regulators can drive improvements in safety within maternity services

Leanne Morgan RQIA, Northern Ireland

Lesley Sharkey Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Scotland