The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Dr Daniel Poulter)
On 20 December 2013 I published information about the availability of £10 million capital funding in 2013-14 to improve maternity care settings across England so both mothers and fathers, and the staff who work in the units, can benefit from a more pleasant and appropriate environment. “Improving Maternity Care Settings: Capital fund programme 2013-14: Information and criteria” has been placed in the Library. Copies are available to hon. Members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from the Printed Paper Office.
Improvements to over 100 maternity units across the country funded by the £25 million improving birthing environments capital fund in 2012-13 are making a big difference to families, with more choice and better environments where women can give birth.
This year, the funding criteria prioritise:
services where the birth rate has increased quickly or where the environment needs to adapt to local demographic population changes, or
initiatives that can make a difference to women who have mental health or substance misuse problems.
Information on how to apply for this funding was made available to maternity units in December 2013 and can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/improving-maternity-care-settings-applying-for-funds
The closing date for applications is 5 pm on Friday 10 January 2014.
It is important that the views and experiences of women and their families locally inform the development and design of birthing environments. The successful projects will have demonstrated involvement and support from service users and the ability to deliver the project in the current financial year.