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Self‑Refer to the Midwifery Service
If you are pregnant, you can now tell the NHS directly without needing to see your GP first.
STSFT (South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust) provides one easy way to refer yourself for maternity care. This helps you get the right support from the very beginning of your pregnancy.
When you fill in the form, the midwifery team will look at the information you provide. The hospital will then contact you to start your antenatal care.
If you are ever worried about your pregnancy, please speak to your GP straight away.
You can also use this form to refer a pregnancy on someone else’s behalf.
It is important to make the referral as soon as you know you are pregnant. This helps you get the best possible care and allows you to access things like free prescriptions, free dental care and other support.
Who will care for you?
During your pregnancy you will meet different midwives:
- Hospital midwives – they work in the hospital in antenatal clinics, the labour ward and postnatal wards.
- Community midwives – they provide care in clinics closer to home and will see you after your baby is born.
You may see both hospital and community midwives throughout your pregnancy. They work together to make sure you get the care you need.