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MNHQ

Campaign to end Bounty sales reps' access to maternity wards - please read and share

23 replies

JustineMumsnet · 11/06/2013 22:16

Evening all,

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to fill in our survey on Bounty and share your stories - from the initial idea onwards, this really is a campaign that has been prompted by your concerns, as posted on Mumsnet.

The survey showed that a very large majority (82%) felt it was unacceptable for Bounty sales reps to be on hospital wards, as well as highlighting a number of other concerns about Bounty reps' selling practices, so we're calling on government to end this kind of direct selling/data collecting on NHS wards. See more here.

It's clear, from the survey results, that, even after Bounty updated its code of conduct (these results only include users who gave birth from May 2012 - the full results containing prior data are here) its practices leave a lot to be desired, and that Mumsnet users feel very strongly that the maternity ward is no place for a hard sell, so we're really hoping that government will listen to us.

Here's how you can help...

Please sign the petition

If you're on Twitter please tweet your support for the campaign with the hashtag #bountymutiny and the following link:

tiny.mn/1bsnpNw

If you're on Facebook then please like campaign page our campaign page (there's a FB link to click at the top on the left).

If you're on Google+, well, you'll know what to do.

We'll, of course, keep you posted here about the campaign and any developments. Thanks to everyone for their stories, honesty and input. Here's hoping we can make a difference!

Go to post
MNHQ

HelenMumsnet · 12/06/2013 08:11

@Tee2072

The Facebook page link doesn't go to FB, it goes to MN page.

Yes Blush: we'll sort in just a tick. Thanks!

MNHQ

HelenMumsnet · 12/06/2013 13:59

@rhythmdivine100

Read the article on BBC News and have joined Mumsnet to support this. I'm still expecting this so have never been on a maternity ward but couldn't quite believe what I was reading - does this actually happen???

I tell you what, ANY sales rep who approaches me straight after giving birth is likely to get a smack in the nose. Honestly, can you imagine this being accepted by men if they were in a similar situation, and with such aggression by the sounds of it? Testicular cancer ward anyone? I think I have a good idea what sort of response they would get. Women, don't stand for such crap!

Welcome to Mumsnet, rhythmdivine100!

MNHQ

KatieMumsnet · 12/06/2013 19:30

Hi there

Thanks for all the support for the campaign - it's been a busy old day.

We kicked off with BBC 5live very early, JustineMumsnet took the campaign to ITV lunchtime news, and was joined by a Mumsnetter on BBC London this evening.

You can see all the online coverage here.

Thank you to everyone who has tweeted, linked to the campaign on Facebook and generally made a noise.

We sent this letter to the PM, and have also heard back from the Department of Health.

A Department of Health spokesperson said:

"Women should be able to give birth in a safe, comfortable and relaxing environment.

"It is up to local NHS hospitals to decide locally whether to allow Bounty representatives on to their maternity wards. They also have a say about which mums the representatives are allowed to visit and when.

"We do not hold any central contracts with Bounty or have any influence over the conduct of their sales representatives. But as with all hospital visitors, we would expect them to respect the privacy of all women and their families.?

Do let us know what you think of their statement, and we'll keep you posted of any developments tomorrow.

Thanks again, and as it's now wine o'clock Wine

MNHQ

SarahMumsnet · 24/06/2013 12:25

Hey everyone,

For anyone who'd like to complain directly about their own experience with Bounty, you can fill in a nice, simple form which registers your complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office, over here.

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 24/06/2013 13:33

@bahookie

MUMSNET TOWERS - please remember that all the work you are doing - writing to PM, petition to NHS England health secretary will not get to the other countries relevant folk who are able to make changes. The NHS is devolved.

No change will happen in Scotland, NI or Wales if their health secretaries are not made aware of public opinion on this.

Please, please expand the petition to ensure that the relevant folk get copies.

Thanks for this point - we are looking at how best to deal with the devolved administrations; we will get on it.

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 25/06/2013 18:26

Hello

Just wanted to let you know that Health Minister Dan Poulter has today published this letter to the chief executives of hospital trusts in response to our campaign and the petition.

He says 'Whilst it is beneficial to have accessible information available to women at a time when they are responsive to messaging, I am sure you will agree that it is unacceptable for parenting support organisations including Bounty to use this as an opportunity to collect private data and share it without the express informed consent of the parents. It is for this reason that I am asking you to review your practices for allowing representatives from private companies on maternity wards to assure yourselves that you are maintaining women?s dignity and respect shortly after the birth of a baby when they can be tired and vulnerable.'

It's not absolutely everything we could have hoped for (and we're going to keep the pressure on the Trusts - we now have a pro-forma up for anyone who'd like to contact their Trust directly), but we do think it's a very positive sign that the government is listening and has felt compelled to make a response - and that the Trusts will be asked to review their practices.

As ever, let us know what you think! (And BIG respect and thanks to you all for working away on this so tirelessly.)

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 27/06/2013 09:56

@SuffolkNWhat

MNHQ, I am keen to contact my local NHS trust but they do not appear on your list. They definitely use Bounty on the wards however. It is the West Suffolk Foundation Trust, should they be on the list?

Hmmm, thanks for pointing this out (and thanks RTB for the further info). This was the list that the Telegraph compiled as a result of FoI requests - we'll see if we can find out exactly what the list is based on. But yes please - if you know your Trust uses Bounty in some way and they're not on the list, please do contact them anyway (and let us know if you get a response)

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 27/06/2013 09:59

Meanwhile: a councillor in Coventry is taking up the cudgels. If there's anyone on here who has a relatively recent Bounty experience in any of the relevant hospitals, and might be prepared to talk to the press about it, do please let us know via a PM to me or an email to [email protected]

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 27/06/2013 10:20

Hi again SuffolkNWhat - West Suffolk Hospital is on the list; is that within the West Suffolk Foundation Trust?

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 27/06/2013 10:31

Apologies - you're talking about our list here aren't you

Will come back to you!

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 02/07/2013 11:46

Damn, you lot are good. I came on to tell you about the Early Day Motion but you're way ahead of me.

If you get any responses from trusts or MPs that you think we could be adding to our pages, do please mail them to us at [email protected], FAO campaigns team.

Thanks Flowers

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 03/07/2013 11:45

Just to let you know, we've edited milktraylady's post to remove a RL name. Do please let us know if you hear anything back from your MP.

MNHQ

HelenMumsnet · 04/07/2013 12:11

@JugglingFromHereToThere

Talking of the pernicious encroachment of baby milk formula companies MNHQ - Do you realise that at the very top of this page (and every page) is an advert ....

"Claim your baby goodies ... free nappies, formula, and other samples we have sourced ..... " @ I won't be giving them any more free publicity by giving a name !

I hope this ad will soon be going as I think you have strict guidelines on the advertising and giving of free samples of formula milk do you not MNHQ ?!

Will be reporting my own post for your speedy attention.

Hi Juggling. Thanks for flagging those ads to us. We've blocked them now.

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 06/07/2013 18:39

Blimmin' heck Suffolk Shock - hope you're OK

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 08/07/2013 10:22

Hello all

serialdrinker sorry to hear about your experience.

Can we ask those of you who haven't yet done so, to please let your trusts know about your experiences - even if they were some time ago?

We're getting lots of responses from Trusts saying 'well nobody's ever complained'. (To which one of the answers would be 'have you ever been post-natal? It's a rather busy time...')

What we do know is that when Trusts have received correspondence from women (or men) whose hospital experience was affected by commercial reps, it makes them much more likely to change their position.

See here for today's example!

Thanks

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 08/07/2013 11:25

We've also had a request for experiences relating to Birmingham Women's Hospital, so if anyone has one could you post on the thread or let me know via [email protected]?

Thanks

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 09/07/2013 10:19

@HairyWorm

I have seen the letter from Maidstone and Tumbridge Wells responding to Justine Roberts. Did MN write to all the Health Trusts?

Yes we did!

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 09/07/2013 18:08

Hello

We have had quite a few rather, um, stonewalling responses from Trusts - we'll have a think about a way to publish them so you can see what they're saying (some of their responses are curiously... uniform Hmm)

But that's all the more reason for people to keep contacting their Trusts. One of the main excuses we're seeing is 'people don't complain about them, therefore there can't be a problem'. As others have said, post-natal women tend to have a few other things on their minds and thus rarely complain - but retrospective complaints can be just as powerful.

And yes, anyone whose MP has said they don't sign EDMs: this is true of a lot of MPs. Do please follow up to ask them to write to whichever trust is in their constituency and let you know the outcome - again, getting a letter from the local MP probably concentrates a trust chief exec's mind a little bit.

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 09/07/2013 18:13

I've just checked, and it doesn't look as though we've had a response from South Manchester yet.

If there are any other trusts you want me to check, post here and I'll have a look

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 09/07/2013 19:08

We have indeed heard from the York Chief Exec: here's what he says

'Dear Ms Roberts

Thank you for your e-mail sent 24th June 2013 regarding York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Bounty.

I asked the Head of Midwifery, Mrs Liz Ross to investigate the concerns you have highlighted.

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust do have a contract with Bounty and have done so for many years. The current contract is for a period of 3 years dated 17th June 2013. As a newly merged Trust with Scarborough, this contract is for both York and Scarborough sites.

The contract agreement clearly states that Bounty are registered with the Criminal Records Bureau and disclosures are obtained for employees (now called the Disclosure Baring Service).

Bounty do request permission from women on the postnatal ward to record their name and address. They may use this information in strict accordance with the Data Protection Act to mail product information and offers to mothers who express a wish to receive such mailings from Bounty and other reputable companies. Giving this permission is not a condition for receiving the free Bounty packs.

Bounty have fed back to the Trust that in a recently conducted survey of 3,000 mums in January 2013, 91% rated the communications they receive about brands and products from Bounty as acceptable.

Mrs Ross is obviously concerned to hear that you have raised concerns regarding aggressive commercial practices, quoting 2008 Unfair Trading Regulations. There have been no such issues raised by mothers at YTHFT that Mrs Ross is aware of, however, she has asked the Matrons on each site to enquire during their regular ward rounds, if there are any concerns regarding the practice of Bounty sales representatives. Any concerns raised will be taken seriously and followed up by Matron and the Bounty Manager.

I trust this answers the questions you have raised.'

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 10/07/2013 16:33

Hello

I'll have a dig for Birmingham responses, but check out this page for our most recent indication that a trust (Shrewsbury and Telford) us going to review its contract.

MNHQ

JaneMumsnet · 05/08/2013 12:00

@SuffolkNWhat

Latest article in Independant: watchdog to be set up in response to survey

Article here

Good morning,

Yes, as Suffolk has very efficiently already shared (thank you, Suffolk!), do take a look at the Independent on Sunday's front cover story, by Jane Merrick.

As you'll see, Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter has told the IoS that:

'hospitals must "get a grip" in keeping reps away from mothers who have just given birth. He said that the Care Quality Commission would be able to take action against maternity wards and birthing units that did not "ensure the protection of women's privacy and dignity", including stopping private firms from approaching new mothers to ask them to sign up for a parenting club, buy professional photographs with their baby or hand over personal data which is then sold on to third-party companies.'

Thanks

MNHQ

MNHQ

RowanMumsnet · 09/04/2014 10:48

Hi everyone

Just wanted to let you know that we've posted an update here.

Watch this thread for updates

Tap "Watch" to get all the latest updates

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