What is the Fetal Exposure to Medicines Service?
The Fetal Exposure to Medicines Service (FEMS) provides expert assessment, advice and care plans for people who are thought to have been affected by exposure to these medicines in the womb. The service is running a pilot until March 2026, funded by NHS England and provided by teams at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Who can use the service?
Children or adults who live in the north of England, who have problems that could be from exposure to an antiseizure medicine in the womb, can be referred by their doctor. It is important to be aware that not all anti-seizure medicines are thought to cause problems for the baby when taken during pregnancy. Information specific to using some of the medicines during pregnancy is at Bumps – Best use of medicines in pregnancy
What is the referral process?
Children or adults meeting the eligibility criteria can be referred to the service through their GP or other health care professional. The health care professional must complete the referral proforma. The referral, whether it is for the Manchester or Newcastle team, must be sent to the following central email address: Fem.Service@mft.nhs.uk
Referrals will be accepted until January 2026.
If multiple children, from one family, have been exposed then they can be referred together however one referral proforma must be completed for each person referred.
Note that only patients living in the North of England (North West, North East, Yorkshire and Humber) can be referred into this service.
FEMS Team
The FEMS team includes clinical geneticists, neuropsychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, a care advisor, and clinic coordinators. As this is a pilot service, there is a well established Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) Group at each hospital site to provide on-going council and advice throughout the pilot.
More information about the service can be read here:
Service at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Service at Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Helpful links
The following organisations may be helpful for those who have been affected by exposure to these medicines in the womb. Note that we are not affiliated with any charity other than Manchester Foundation Trust Charity.