About us

Lancashire and South Cumbria Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS)

Transforming maternity and neonatal care across our region

The Lancashire and South Cumbria LMNS is a partnership of NHS organisations, local authorities, and service users working together to improve maternity and neonatal services across our region. We are committed to delivering care that is:

  • Safe
  • Personalised
  • Equitable
  • Kind
  • Professional
  • Shape

Our purpose

We exist to ensure that every woman, baby, and family receives high-quality care by:

  • Transforming digital systems to improve access, continuity, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Strengthening the workforce through strategic planning, recruitment, and professional development.
  • Improving health outcomes for those experiencing health inequalities and inequity.
  • Embedding governance and assurance to maintain quality and safety across our four acute provider trusts.

Our work

Our LMNS leads and supports initiatives aligned with national priorities, including:

  • The three-year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services
  • The Better Births vision
  • The maternity transformation programme

Locally, we focus on:

  • Digital transformation: Implementing interoperable systems and digital tools to support safer, more efficient care.
  • Workforce development: Supporting Trusts to build resilient, skilled teams across maternity and neonatal services.
  • Reducing inequalities: Targeting interventions to improve outcomes for underserved communities.
  • Governance and assurance: Coordinating oversight and quality improvement across our four acute provider trusts to ensure consistent standards of care.

Our Governance

We operate through a robust governance framework that ensures accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. This includes:

  • LMNS Board and steering groups
  • Clinical and quality assurance panels
  • Service user voice forums
  • Data and performance monitoring

These structures enable us to monitor progress, share learning, and respond to emerging needs across the system.