In 2023 the LMNS published the equity and equality action plan (full version of the report and asset map) to respond to the inequalities and inequities experienced within the NHS and by mothers and babies in the UK. The NHS (2021) has released guidance to help align their Equality and Equity Action Plans with the health inequalities work of Integrated Care Systems. For ‘equality’, there is a focus on promoting equal opportunities for all people who engage with the NHS. In the specific context of equity, the ambition is that all mothers and babies can achieve health outcomes that are as good as the groups with the best health outcomes. Families of course, are a central component of this focus.
LMNS equity summary infographic and background
This poster was produced because of the findings of the MBRRACE – UK report 2021, which highlighted that women and people from Black, Asian and mixed backgrounds, and those living in the most deprived areas had worst maternal and neonatal outcomes. In response to this, NHS England issued guidance on Equity and Equality within maternity and neonatal services. This report summarises the actions Hampshire and Isle of Wight plan to take to address equity and equality in our local areas.
The poster aims to explain who the LMNS are and what we do as a system. It also broadly examines our local area and populations, focusing on the equity and equality National aims.
You can view and download the poster here.
For any further enquiries relating to this poster please contact hiowicb-hsi.shiplmns@nhs.net.
LMNS Equity - Easy Read Version Summary
View the Easy Read summary of our LMNS Equity plan
About This Document
This Easy Read version has been created to make information about maternity care equity in our region more accessible to everyone. It uses simple language and clear formatting to explain important changes in maternity services.
Background
In 2021, NHS research showed inequalities in maternity care across our region, particularly affecting:
- People from Black, Asian and mixed ethnic backgrounds
- People living in areas of social deprivation
NHS Response
The NHS has developed a comprehensive strategy to address these disparities in maternity care. Hampshire and Isle of Wight LMNS (Local Maternity and Neonatal System) is implementing our own strategy locally.
Local Action Plan
The local LMNS has developed a three-year programme to:
- Ensure equal access to maternity services
- Improve care quality for all service users
- Remove barriers to accessing maternity care
- Support better outcomes regardless of background or postcode
Contact Information
The Easy Read version provides a direct contact email (hiowicb-hsi.shiplmns@nhs.net) for enquiries.
Document Usage
This Easy Read version is designed to be:
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Accessible to people with different reading abilities
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Clear and straightforward to understand
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Supportive of NHS England's commitment to inclusive communication
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Complementary to the standard LMNS Equity strategy document
Next Steps
For more detailed information about the LMNS Equity strategy, members of the public and healthcare professionals can:
- Contact the LMNS team directly via email hiowicb-hsi.shiplmns@nhs.net
- Request the full strategy document
- Ask questions about specific aspects of the improvement programme.
LMNS Rising Tide Programme
In 2025 we hosted an LMNS cohort of the development programme, Rising Tide. The programme was aimed at all maternity and neonatal staff across Hampshire and Isle of Wight from a GEM (Global Ethnic Majority) background. The programme was led by highly skilled facilitators across four days.
