The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Wales has welcomed the long awaited re-opening of the Neath Port Talbot Hospital Birth Centre, and the reintroduction of the Swansea Bay Home Birth Service which will give women in the area much greater choice over how they give birth.
The Birth Centre closed in September 2021 because of a shortage of staff with the right mix of skills. The announcement, which was made at a special meeting of Swansea Bay University Health Board has been welcomed by families and the midwifery community across the region.
Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Director for Wales, Julie Richards said:
“We are really pleased that these vital maternity services have been reinstated, so that women and families across the Swansea Bay area will once again have a much greater choice in how and where they give birth. We would encourage women to talk to their midwives about all of the options available to them to ensure that they have the appropriate support so that they can make the decisions that are best for them and their families.”
“It has always been our priority to ensure that the safety of women and their babies is paramount, so having the right staff in the right place at the right time with the appropriate skills and training is fundamental to the delivery of safe care. We’ve welcomed the Health Board’s additional investments in improving resources, training and staff capacity and look forward to continue working in partnership to ensure that women and their babies get the best and the safest care.”
“The reintroduction of the services will also have a very welcome and positive impact on our future midwives who are currently studying at Swansea University, who will gain valuable knowledge and experience by working in the birth centre and supporting the home birth service.”
ENDS
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Notes to editors:
- The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources.
