A renewed focus on improvement of outcomes and safety has been welcomed by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) – but the College has urged the Government to see beyond waiting list reduction as a measure of success.
Birte Harlev-Lam, Executive Director Midwife at the RCM, said:
“Countless reports and inspections have consistently shown what is needed to improve quality and safety of care in maternity services. Equally consistent has been the seeming reluctance of previous governments to use this as a blueprint for positive change. Midwives, maternity support workers and, of course, the women and families in their care are crying out for that change – but it will only happen with Government determination. If the focus is only on resolving and reducing waiting lists, maternity care will always be the Cinderella service.
“We have been really clear about the changes that are required to improve maternity safety, and the outcomes for women and babies. They start with having the right staff in the right place with the right education and training, providing the care and support that is the most appropriate for changing demographics. More opportunity should be given to learn from what is working, not simply from when things go wrong. Progress is made through partnership, and through pre-empting challenges. Prevention is better than cure.”
ENDS
