Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate (MNISA)
Referrals to the Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate closed on 17th October 2025.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has published the evaluation of the Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate (MNISA) Pilot. The evaluation findings indicate that the MNISA service is uniquely placed to make a valuable contribution to enabling families’ voices to be heard, and their concerns acted upon. We are grateful to the families, colleagues, and partners across Gloucestershire who contributed to this important work.
Following consideration by the National Maternity & Neonatal Programme Board, it has been agreed that the pilot will conclude on 31 March 2026. New referrals will no longer be accepted after the 17th October 2025. Families who have been referred before this time will continue receiving support the end of the pilot, with plans in place for ongoing guidance and points of contact where needed.
The MNISA Pilot has been vital in highlighting what families need when they have experienced adverse outcomes. This will continue to inform future developments and system change locally and help ensure that families feel safer and more supported during their maternity and neonatal experience.
Whilst the MNISA pilot is coming to an end there is still support available. For more information please visit https://www.nhsglos.nhs.uk/your-health-services/community-and-hospital-care/maternity-and-health-visiting/maternity-and-neonatal-advocacy/