County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is proud to be one of the first trusts in the North East and North Cumbria to embed the new Learning Disability Maternity Diamond Standards into routine care.
These standards are designed to improve maternity care for women with a learning disability and are built around three key principles:
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Clear, accessible communication
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Reasonable adjustments at every stage of care
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Support in line with the Mental Capacity Act
Since their launch in August 2024, CDDFT has already supported 28 women through this pathway, ensuring tailored, person-centred care. This important work is being led by the Trust’s Learning Disability and Autism Team, working closely with maternity colleagues across our hospitals and community services.
How we’ve made it happen
To embed the standards into practice, several key initiatives have been introduced:
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A new digital referral form on BadgerNet so women with a learning disability and/or autism can be quickly referred for specialist support
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Workforce training, including simulation case studies and resources developed with the North East & Cumbria Learning Disability Network
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Stronger partnerships with community learning disability teams to improve early identification and referral
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Updates to initial maternity contact questions to ensure the right support is in place from the very start of pregnancy
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One service user shared:
“It was more supportive… like having someone to hold your hand during appointments. I feel more listened to.”
Shaping best practice across the region
By working in partnership with the NENC Local Maternity and Neonatal System and the Learning Disability Network, CDDFT is helping to shape and share best practice across the region – ensuring women with a learning disability receive safe, personalised and compassionate care.
What’s next?
A new staff animation, co-produced with women and families, has been launched to highlight how small adjustments can make a big difference.
All maternity colleagues are encouraged to watch and use this resource to continue embedding the Diamond Standards into daily practice.
