In developing commissioning guidance for abortion services, NHS England engaged with those with lived experience of accessing abortion services to understand the impact of service pressures on patient experience. In doing this, we wanted to build the patient voice into the recommendations.

This engagement has resulted in the co-development of the following key principles to guide the commissioning of these services.

1. Commissioners ensure a comprehensive offer of abortion services, including choice of procedure type, location, anaesthetic and pain management. Patients are made aware of what treatment and support options are available to them and are empowered to make choices about their treatment.
2. Commissioners consider the range of services a patient might need before, during and after their treatment. They take a holistic view of the pathway and ensure patients have clarity about what services are available and how to access them – including when services are commissioned by other organisations.
3. Services are designed and commissioned with regard to patient experience, and commissioners work proactively with providers to minimise travel and wait times. Aftercare and support is provided, acknowledging that some patients may benefit from support sometime after their procedure.
4. Abortion services are recognised and treated as a vital part of the NHS. Commissioners ensure they are considering stigma in their communications and actively work to de-stigmatise services.

These principles have been built into the commissioning guidance itself and can provide a helpful steer for commissioners as they take action locally to improve services for patients.

Publication reference: PRN01724ii