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<p>Pregnant women in prison are entitled to the same quality and range of healthcare
services as they have access to in the community. Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation
Service (HMPPS) published a new policy on pregnancy, Mother and Baby Units and maternal
separation from Children up to the Age of Two in Women’s Prisons on 20 September.
This delivers a range of improvements to the care of pregnant women in prison. Prisons
are in the process of implementing new requirements and are expected to have this
in place by 20 March 2022.</p><p>Healthcare in women’s prisons, including perinatal
services, are commissioned by NHS England & Improvement. The role of HMPPS is
to work in partnership with local healthcare providers to secure access to these services.
The new policy introduces enhanced Band 3 Pregnancy and Mother and Baby Liaison Officers
across the women’s estate. This is an operational prison role designed to enable early
identification, contact and signposting to support services, including perinatal healthcare
services. It is not a clinical role – provision of clinical services is the responsibility
of NHS England and NHS Improvement.</p>
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