NMC responds to independent review of midwifery services in Northern Ireland
Published on 22 October 2024
The review led by Professor Mary Renfrew - Enabling Safe Quality Midwifery Services and Care in Northern Ireland – is an examination of midwifery and wider maternity care, and makes a series of recommendations to transform services across all settings.
Commenting on the report, Tracey MacCormack, Assistant Director for Midwifery at the NMC, said:
“We welcome today’s report, which provides a comprehensive picture of the current position of maternity services in Northern Ireland. It’s concerning to see how unsafe working conditions, staffing shortages, and a lack of resources compromise the quality and safety of maternity care. These conditions are not unique and can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of mothers and babies.
“The report highlights the importance of individualised care. When care is delivered with respect, trust, kindness, and continuity, it leads to better outcomes for women and babies. Our standards of proficiency for midwives are an essential resource for employers to understand midwives’ responsibilities and scope of practice.
“Midwives play a crucial role in ensuring that women and families receive safe, compassionate, and person-centred care throughout their pregnancy journey. However, they must have the support of fully functioning multi-disciplinary teams, and be equipped with the right skills, leadership, and resources to ease the burden of rising demand. This requires sustained investment in maternity services. We remain committed to supporting organisations to embed our standards and empower midwives to deliver the best possible care.
“The positive plan for change proposed in the report, developed in collaboration with women, advocacy groups, and interdisciplinary professionals, is welcome. It’s also encouraging to hear how dedicated professionals are to providing high-quality care, alongside innovative practices making a difference in people’s maternity experiences.
“It’s clear that a comprehensive maternity strategy for Northern Ireland is needed. Listening to women and families, and acting on what they say, must be at the heart of any changes. We’re determined to work with our partners to help drive the urgent, systemic improvements needed to foster a safer environment for all women and babies.”
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