Independent midwives under threat
Campaigners are lobbying the government to allow midwives who operate outside the NHS to continue to practice. New insurance requirements could make their work illegal.
Independent midwives currently offer expectant mothers an alternative to the NHS, when it comes to the care they receive during their pregnancy. However, in 2 weeks time, the Department of Health will consider making indemnity insurance a requirement for practice. As such insurance is unavailable to independent midwives, their work would become illegal.
One local independent midwife is Shawn Walker, who offers care to Norwich mothers during their pregnancies, outside of the NHS. She explains some women opt for the service so they can build up a relationship with her, before the birth of their child. The woman may have been traumatised by an experience in the past, or may want the reassurance of knowing who her midwife will be: “It’s not important for every woman, but for some, it’s vitally important that we preserve this choice.”
Brenda Vanda-Kooy, a spokesperson for Independent Midwives UK, adds: ”Without positive government intervention, independent midwifery will become illegal in the very near future. If a solution is provided, it could benefit maternity services in the UK for decades to come.” She is hoping the Government will legislate to enable independent midwifery services to be available to any women through the NHS. She argues the quality of care they provide, leads to an increased rate of normal births which would save the NHS money in the long run.
Louise Silverton, deputy general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “The RCM is working with independent midwives, the insurance industry and Government health departments to find a solution to the issue of indemnity insurance for independent midwives.”
She added: “The regulatory change that has led to this situation is important and will ensure that women not only receive safe care from qualified professionals, but have access to redress where necessary. However, it will have foreseen and serious effects on independent midwives for whom the insurance market has failed to provide affordable cover. Although independent midwives are a small group, they provide a very valuable service and we would be disappointed to see an end to independent midwifery which has over the years demonstrated the value of women-centred care.”
More details on the campaign are on the Norwich Birth Group Facebook page.
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