During the summer of 2017 we carried out a review of midwife-led unit (MLUs) services across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

• Phase one - COMPLETE: Phase one of our review involved a desktop exercise where we collected information about the MLU service. This included gathering information from a range of organisations about the current service as well as looking at national guidance and best practice.  It also involved collecting existing feedback from local stakeholders.
• Phase two - COMPLETE: During Phase two of our review, we gathered new, more detailed, information by asking local people for their feedback. We commissioned ELC Works, a specialist organisation, to hold in-depth interviews with women, their families and staff who use and work in or with the midwife-led units. Their feedback was used to help us better understand what is working well and what can be improved. 
• Phase three - IN PROGRESS: As part of Phase three we held a series of co-design workshops in September and October across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin. Women, their families, professionals and others with an interest in these services came together to discuss what the future service model could look like.

Next steps

At the moment no decisions have been made although a proposed model of care has been developed and this can be viewed here: MLU Review Proposed Changes Summary, along with a set of Question and Answers. 

ELC Works, the company directing the engagement activity on behalf of the CCGs, have provided specialist analysis of local feedback which has been the principal input influencing the proposed model of care. A copy of the report can be accessed here.

The proposed model was presented to all those who helped to shape it on 30th November and 1st December, and shared electronically with those who were unable to join us. It will be shared and discussed at the midwife-led services programme board and with future Governing Body meetings. We will continue to give regular updates on our website.

Further information

For more information on how to get involved in this review, or to share your experiences of maternity services please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Currently, in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, there is a lot going on which is affecting our Maternity Services and this leaflet aims to help explain the different strands of work, with separate organisational responsibility, and how they all fit together.

To view this leaflet please click here

To view the infographic please click here