Expectant mum praises UHNM maternity bus for bringing support closer to home

An expectant mum from Meir has praised UHNM’s maternity bus, saying it has made accessing early pregnancy care “so much easier” during her first pregnancy with twins.

Summer Kerry, 27, from Meir Hay, who is currently 14 weeks pregnant, says the Maternity and Community Screening Initiative (MACSI) has already made a real difference to her experience.

The bus aims to make it easier for expectant mothers and their families to access maternity support closer to home without needing to travel to hospital.

The drop-in service offers advice and education on pregnancy, screening and vaccinations, with midwives and specialist teams on hand to answer questions and provide support.

The initiative is designed to reach communities who may find it harder to access traditional services, including those who face barriers such as transport, language or awareness of available support.

Summer, a food and beverage manager at Alton Towers, said: “Getting to the hospital is quite hard as I don't drive, so coming here is much easier for me.

“Having seen the bus advertised on social media, I came to get information on screening. With having twins, everything is a bit different to a singleton pregnancy, so it’s been helpful to just come here and ask questions.

“The service has been amazing, everyone’s really friendly and approachable and it just feels like somewhere you can come for support.You feel like you can be part of a little community.”

Claire Ibbs, screening midwife, said: “We know some women can find it harder to access hospital services because of things like travel, transport or other barriers, so bringing support into local communities is really important.

“The maternity bus means women can access advice from qualified professionals closer to home, in a setting that feels welcoming and approachable.”

Summer added: “My advice to other women is come to the bus. It’s so much easier, especially in early pregnancy when everything can feel a bit new and anxious. It’s just nice to have somewhere local you can pop in and ask questions.”

The bus currently visits several locations across the city each week:

• Tuesdays: Hanley Town Centre (12.30pm-4pm)
• Wednesdays: Asda Tunstall, Scotia Road, Tunstall, ST6 6AT (9.30am-4pm)
• Thursdays: Pickford Place, Meir (9.30am-4pm)