NHS England is urging pregnant women to use a new online service that allows them to self-refer directly to local maternity services without the need for an initial GP consultation.
By completing a straightforward online form on NHS.uk, expectant families can now select their preferred NHS trust for maternity care referrals. This initiative aims to streamline access to services and reduce unnecessary strain on general practitioners.
NHS England estimates that the service could cut approximately 180,000 GP phone calls and up to 30,000 general practice appointments annually. Since its rollout began in March, nearly 60,000 pregnant women have used the online referral system, with over 75% of trusts across England now connected to the platform.
In total, nearly 85,000 individuals have accessed the portal for maternity-related information and support, according to NHS England.
Previously, pregnant women could self-refer through individual trust websites, but only around half utilized this option, often defaulting to GP referrals. NHS England highlights that many women are therefore accessing maternity care through their GP unnecessarily.
Dr. Claire Fuller, NHS England’s medical director, emphasized that while GPs remain available for any pregnancy concerns, they do not need to be the first point of contact in most cases. She noted, “This quick and easy tool can help ease pressure on GP practices, freeing up valuable time for other patients.”
Kate Brintworth, NHS England’s chief midwife, encouraged newly expectant mothers to self-refer as early as possible to secure the safest care for both mother and baby. She said, “This tool makes it easier than ever to book that crucial first maternity appointment and empowers women to take control of their pregnancy journey from the start.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting also welcomed the changes, stating, “Early pregnancy should be about joy and excitement—not struggling with NHS bureaucracy. This revamped online referral system replaces endless phone calls and paperwork with a simple, efficient service.”
The announcement follows recent reports that some pregnant patients were incorrectly coded in GP records, leading to inappropriate medication supplies, highlighting the need for improved maternity care processes.
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