Increasing Midwifery Numbers and Maternity Care
Only a year ago the Royal College of Midwives reported that, in their estimation, there was a shortage of around 2,500 full-time midwives in England.
New figures, recently released by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, show that the number of nurses and midwives now on the register is at a record high. More than 18,000 additional medical professionals are registered now in comparison with last year.
The report suggested that the increase was due to rising registrations from both within the UK and beyond Europe. The numbers of professionals leaving the nursing and midwifery profession appeared also to have reduced.
In 2018, in response to the shortage in midwives, the government committed to fund the training of an extra 3,000 additional midwives over the next four years.
The National Health Service's 'National Maternity Review' in 2016 identified the need for pregnant women to have personalised maternity care with continuity of care through the support of a specific midwife. As part of the 'Better Births' initiative, it stated the need for 'Continuity of carer, to ensure safe care based on a relationship of mutual trust and respect in line with the woman's decisions.' It further explained that '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 postnatally.
The crucial nature of the role of the midwife during the birth in preventing perineal trauma has been further identified in the recent 'Care Bundles' created to reduce the occurrence and long-term impact of severe perineal tears. The need to inform the pregnant woman about possible perineal trauma, the need to support the perineum during the birth and the need for a thorough examination of the new mother following the birth are all identified as important.
If the number of midwives available in the UK is increasing it may be good news for women about to undergo childbirth.
Medical negligence
Perineal trauma during childbirth can be life-changing. If an accurate assessment of any perineal and anal damage is not carried out, the new mother may suffer bowel problems for a lifetime.
If you are struggling with the on-going impact of a severe perineal tear due to a failure to diagnose and repair your injury, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation claims.
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