19 March 2025

The Screening Specialist Midwives team at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) have won an award for their work to create the region’s first Down syndrome-specific maternity pathway.

The successful partnership between PHU and the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association (DSA) charity has been recognised at the Portsmouth DSA Community Champions Awards. The team won the Best Collaborative Impact Award at a ceremony on Monday 17 March hosted by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth.

The pathway will improve pregnancy experiences and outcomes for families across Hampshire.

Julia Langley, Antenatal and Newborn Screening Specialist shared her excitement: “It was absolutely wonderful to be recognised by a charity that does such fantastic, meaningful work in the community.

“Working together on this project has allowed us to deepen our relationship with the charity and ensure that the care pathway we have designed can really support the needs of families.”

The team provides support for parents during the whole antenatal screening process, offering guidance and information to those with a screening result which shows a higher chance that their baby may have Down, Edwards or Patau syndrome. If a baby is diagnosed with Down Syndrome during pregnancy parents are offered additional scans and discussions about what to expect when their baby is born.

Julia added, “I love the variety in my role and the fact that no day is ever the same. I enjoy the opportunity to make a difference at what can be a really challenging time for couples and families.”

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association said: “We are confident that this innovative pathway will not only improve mortality rates but also enhance maternity care.”

To find out more about our collaborative pathways for Down syndrome services and support visit: https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/about-us/news/news-archive/downsyndromepathway