Gateshead Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership - MNVP

16/02/2026

Thanks to everyone who came along to our feedback event on Saturday at the beautiful Pineapple and Bears in Birtley! We had some great conversations and came away with lots of insightful comments. We’ll use what you’ve said to identify recurring themes and feed these back to the Trust. As always, if you have more to say about helping us to improve maternity services in Gateshead, send us a message! ❤️

09/02/2026

2026 NHS Maternity Survey

The NHS will soon be conducting a survey to find out about mothers’ recent experiences of antenatal care, labour and birth, and postnatal care.

This survey is part of a national programme to improve experiences of maternity services.

08/02/2026

With Ramadan starting soon, we've spoken to experts to find out whether you should fast if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, and how to maintain your energy levels if you're fasting and looking after children.

23/01/2026

National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation Call for Evidence

Message from Karen Parker, Associate Director or Midwifery/SCBU, Gateshead Health.

You may be aware of a national review which is taking place in maternity and neonatal services across England. It is essential that the review hears all the voices of service users and support partners - they want to hear about both good and bad experiences to understand where things need to be improved and to learn from areas of good practice.

The surveys are open now until 17th March 2026, and can be accessed via the link below. There are easy read and alternative language options also available.

Baroness Amos is asking women and families across England to share their experiences of maternity and neonatal care through a public Call for Evidence.

23/01/2026

You can always ask questions about your care and treatment.

Your midwife or doctor can give you the information you need to make the choice that’s right for you.

Find out more about your birth choices: https://bit.ly/47U6KZt

23/01/2026

💛 Stay & Play at The Special Lioness – Saturday 24 January 💛

We’re looking forward to welcoming families to a Stay & Play session at The Special Lioness in Washington later this month.

This relaxed, family-friendly session is open to any baby or babies who have spent time on a Neonatal Unit, and the whole family is welcome to attend.

🍼 Who can come?

• Babies aged 6 weeks corrected to 3 years corrected
• Siblings welcome up to 8 years old

📍 Where: The Special Lioness, 4–5 Baird Close, Washington, NE37 3HL
🕚 When: Saturday 24 January, 11am–1pm

Families will be able to explore three sensory rooms, designed to stimulate, soothe and support little ones through sound, light, texture and play. Light refreshments will be provided, and a member of the Tiny Lives team will be there to welcome you and answer any questions.

The Special Lioness is a wonderful local charity supporting families of children with additional needs, disabilities and life-limiting conditions, creating inclusive, enriching spaces where families can simply be together.

Book your space here: https://www.tinylives.org.uk/meet-chat-learn/

If you know a family who might benefit, please do share 💫
We’d love to see you there.

12/01/2026

Baby sleep pillows unsafe

The UK Government has now issued a formal product safety alert concerning baby sleep pillows.

‘Baby Sleep Pillows’ have been linked to child fatalities in the UK and overseas.

The main harms are suffocation and overheating which can lead to serious injury or death in babies. These harms can occur when a baby is placed on the ’Baby Sleep Pillow’ unattended or for sleep including when the pillow is put into a cot or crib.

Suffocation: Soft, squishy materials can cover a baby’s mouth and nose if they are pressed against it and could cause the baby to suffocate.

Overheating: If a baby is sleeping on a soft surface that their head can sink into, heat is prevented from escaping and they can get too hot. There is a higher risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) if a baby overheats.

There's more information at this link here: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-safety-alert-baby-sleep-pillows-psa8?cachebust=1765447210

If you need sleep advice, please ask your Health Visitor
Growing Healthy 0-19 Gateshead

This is a Product Safety Alert from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) for a product commonly known as a 'Baby Sleep Pillow.' Baby Sleep Pillows can pose a risk of suffociation, overheating and death to babies. This Alert is for consumers (particularly parents and caregivers to babie...

11/12/2025

10/12/2025

Congratulations to all the staff at the maternity department and SCBU who work so hard for Gateshead families!

Gateshead Health’s Maternity Services have been ranked one of the best nationally in the 2025 Maternity Survey of pregnant women and new families.

This incredible achievement is a direct result of the compassion, dignity, and respect shown by our dedicated staff, earning us a remarkable 92.5% overall positive score.

Our maternity and support teams work hard to deliver outstanding care, tailored to individual needs. 💙

Read the full story and what this means for local families https://www.gatesheadhealth.nhs.uk/news/gateshead-maternity-services-ranked-best-in-the-country-following-outstanding-patient-feedback/

10/12/2025

Welcome October babies!

Here are our birth stats for October 🌷
Congratulations to all the new families! 💕

Gateshead Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership - MNVP
Gateshead NHS

26/10/2025

Stay and Play – NEW VENUE! 🌟

We’re so excited to be bringing our fantastic Stay and Play sessions to South Tyneside families for the very first time!

📍 The Special Lioness, Baird Close, Washington, NE37 3HL
🗓️ Sunday 2nd November
🕚 11:00 - 13:00
🍎 Snacks and refreshments provided

Join us for a fun, sensory-filled adventure in The Roaring Rainforest, where vibrant sights, sounds and textures create a truly immersive experience. Families can also explore the Planetarium and Music Rooms as part of the session.

Come along, connect with other families, and enjoy a relaxed morning of play and support in this inspiring new space.

Booking now open ⬇
https://www.tinylives.org.uk/meet-chat-learn/

22/10/2025

Meet, Chat, Learn - Booking now open! ✨

Our Meet, Chat, Learn groups are exclusively for neonatal families. These free to access parent-baby groups offer a chance to learn techniques to assist you with your little one, including baby massage, baby yoga and sensory classes. Connect with parents who understand your journey, share experiences, and find support. Our groups offer a welcoming space for you and your baby to bond and thrive together. Build lasting friendships and learn from others who are in the same stage of parenthood. ⬇

https://www.tinylives.org.uk/meet-chat-learn/