How Will Falling Midwife Numbers Affect Maternity Care in England?
The Royal College of Midwives has recently calculated that England is short of around 2,500 full-time midwives. By using the statistics for the number of births in the previous year and comparing the number of midwives necessary for that level of births with the actual number of midwives currently working in England, the RCOM is able to estimate the level of staff shortage in this vital role.
How will this shortage impact on the 'Better Births' initiative, a five-year plan to improve maternity services, launched in 2016?
'Better Births' initiative
Not surprisingly, the role of the midwife is key to many aspects of the 'Better Births' initiative which aims to give pregnant women personalised service, continuity of care and informed decision-making before, during and after the birth of her child.
Two elements of the 'Better Births' strategy clearly require intense midwife input:
- 'Every woman should have a midwife who is part of a small team of 4 to 6 midwives, based in the community who knows the women and family, and can provide continuity throughout the pregnancy, birth and post-natally'
- 'Postnatal care must be resourced appropriately. Women should have access to their midwife (and where appropriate obstetrician) as they require after having had their baby. Those requiring longer care should have appropriate provision and follow-up in designated clinics.'
It is difficult to see how every woman giving birth in England will be able to access their midwife 'as they require' after giving birth as well as before and during, if the number of midwives necessary to support the number of pregnant women simply aren't there.
If we factor in a further comment by the Royal College of Midwives that births are becoming more complex as the age of first-time mothers rises, it might seem that the situation will become more difficult to manage rather than more 'personalised, kinder, professional and family friendly'.
Medical negligence
Glynns Solicitors have considerable experience and expertise in supporting women who have suffered severe 3rd and 4th degree birth tears during vaginal childbirth.
This is an increasing problem which has already been identified as possibly due, in part, to a lack of training as well as a lack of understanding on the part of midwives of the long-term severity of the symptoms associated with these injuries.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the permanent effects of an undiagnosed severe birth tear, contact Glynns to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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