While the UK remains a comparatively safe place to give birth, maternity care is challenged by growing health inequalities, with women from minority ethnic groups and those living in the most socially deprived areas more likely to experience adverse outcomes of pregnancy.
Women from ethnic minority groups are more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth and are also at increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes including stillbirth, miscarriage, and pre-term birth.
Funded by NHS England through the Accelerated Access Collaborative, in partnership with the AHSN Network, SBRI Healthcare announced the opening of Competition 20 in May 2022 for innovations to address inequalities in Maternity Care.
Under the Health Inequalities in Maternity Care challenge, three categories were identified via consultation with clinicians, nurses and midwives, as well as other stakeholders working in provision of care across the maternity care spectrum.
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Support to Women post-discharge
- Risk identification, stratification, and intervention
Phase 2
Guidance for Applicants - Phase 2