Start Well Programme: proposed changes to maternity, neonatal, and children’s surgical services

Start Well main image

Since November 2021, NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board (NCL ICB), has been leading a programme of work on behalf of the local health and care system in North Central London called the Start Well Programme to review and improve maternity, neonatal and children’s surgical services in North Central London – Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington.

The Start Well programme has involved several years of partnership working and significant engagement with patients, staff and partners to review and improve the quality and outcomes of services. Our collective ambition as a health and care system is to give babies and children the best start in life and improve outcomes for pregnant women and people.

On Tuesday 25 March 2025, recommendations were agreed for the future shape of maternity and neonatal services at a formal meeting of NCL ICB, where they were joined by NHS England Specialised Commissioning, as co-commissioners.

The meetings papers and decision-making business case are available on the NCL ICB Board of Members meetings page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mum and baby relaxing on the sofa at home

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Start Well programme.

Information for Pregnant Women and People

A large group of mothers are doing a mother and baby exercise class in the park

Find out about changes to maternity and neonatal services.

Summary of our Work to Date

Mother and baby boy relaxing on the sofa

Read about the case for change and find information on our public consultation.

Governance Page

Smiling senior woman sitting on the couch and hugging her grandchild, little baby boy.
Learn about how Start Well is governed through our programme board.

Useful Links?

Click below to find out more about Start Well:

Team of healthcare staff, some wearing dark blue scrubs, some wearing civilian clothes standing outside GP practice, smiling.