FOI Request: Gloucestershire’s Current Postnatal Care Pathway

GMAG has submitted this Freedom of Information request to clarify when Gloucestershire’s current postnatal care pathway was introduced, what documents define it, and what staff have been told about it internally.

At the ICB public question session on 14 May 2026, we were told there was no “new” postnatal pathway and that the current pathway had been in place since 2024. However, we have since heard from maternity and health visiting staff that internal communications have referred to a “new postnatal pathway.”

Postnatal care affects breastfeeding, maternal recovery, mental health, safeguarding, newborn wellbeing, and access to support in the vulnerable weeks after birth. Families deserve clarity about how this pathway was introduced and how care is being delivered across Gloucestershire.

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Subject: Freedom of Information Request – Current Postnatal Care Pathway and Internal Communications

Dear Freedom of Information Team,

Please treat this as a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

I am requesting information relating to the current postnatal care pathway used by Gloucestershire maternity services.

At the NHS Gloucestershire ICB public question session on 14 May 2026, representatives of Gloucestershire Maternity Action Group were told that there was no “new” postnatal pathway and that the current pathway had been in place since 2024.

However, we have received reports from maternity and health visiting staff that recent internal communications refer to a “new postnatal pathway” and that changes have been introduced in line with NICE guidance.

To clarify the factual position, please provide the following:

1. Date of introduction

Please confirm the date on which the current postnatal care pathway was introduced or implemented.

If the pathway was introduced in stages, please provide the dates for each stage.

2. Current pathway documents

Please provide the current postnatal care pathway document, including any associated:

• flowcharts

• standard operating procedures

• staff guidance

• appointment schedules

• discharge guidance

• clinic/home visit guidance

• escalation guidance

3. Previous versions

Please provide any previous versions of the postnatal care pathway used from 1 January 2024 to the present date.

If the current pathway replaced, amended, or updated an earlier version, please provide the previous version and the date it was superseded.

4. Internal communications to staff

Please provide copies of internal communications sent to staff from 1 January 2024 to the present date referring to the postnatal pathway or changes to postnatal care.

This should include communications using terms such as:

• “new postnatal pathway”

• “postnatal pathway”

• “postnatal care pathway”

• “postnatal clinic”

• “postnatal appointments”

• “NICE guidance”

• “NICE-aligned”

• “postnatal care changes”

Please include relevant emails, staff briefings, newsletters, intranet updates, slides, FAQs, or implementation guidance sent to maternity staff, community midwives, health visitors, managers, or partner services.

5. Records explaining the change

Please provide any document that explains why the current pathway was introduced, amended, or updated.

This may include, but is not limited to:

• implementation plans

• briefing papers

• short business cases

• staff guidance notes

• project documents

• meeting papers or minutes where the pathway was introduced or discussed

6. NICE guidance

Please provide any document that shows which NICE guidance the current pathway was intended to reflect or implement.

This may include any gap analysis, summary paper, implementation note, or staff communication explaining the link between the pathway and NICE guidance.

If no such document exists, please confirm this.

Please provide the information electronically.

If any part of this request is considered too broad, please do not refuse the request outright. Please provide advice and assistance under Section 16 of the Freedom of Information Act and explain how the request may be refined.

If any information is withheld, please state which exemption is being relied upon.

Yours faithfully,

Emma Gleave
Gloucestershire Maternity Action Group