A new training scheme for maternity support workers to enable them to
relieve midwives of some of their current tasks is to begin.
Once fully trained, the staff could take on responsibility for providing
advice to mothers and undertake routine tests such as blood pressure readings.
Latest figures show the birth rate is continuing to rise in Wales. The
training is being announced by the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales at
a Royal College of Midwives’ conference. The event at the Millennium Stadium
is the RCM’s annual St David’s Day conference.
There are 1,977 registered midwives in Wales and estimates suggest support
workers make up around 20% of the total maternity workforce.
The workers would be part of a team supervised by a midwife and could
provide advice to the expectant and new mothers on a range of subjects
including breastfeeding, baby and mother nutrition and give routine care
such as taking blood pressure and blood tests.
‘Pressure’ Earlier this month, Health Minster Edwina Hart announced an
expansion in health courses, including increasing the number of midwifery
training places. The support work training will take up to 18 months maximum
and will be a mixture of classroom and on-the-job training.
Chief Nursing Officer Rosemary Kennedy said: “Midwives have an invaluable
role in caring for mothers and new-born babies, but as a result of the
increasing birth rate, have been under greater pressure. Despite that,
they continue to provide excellent care.
“I see this new training for maternity support workers as an essential
part of our ongoing commitment to improve care. “The support workers have
a major contribution to make to the care of mothers and babies, but this
is often not used to its full potential. “The new training package will
ensure that all maternity workers will have the same training. It will
provide clear roles and more career opportunities for staff, which will
help aid recruitment and retention.”
Date
2nd March 2009
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