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Midwives from Worcestershire have been shortlisted for a national award from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).
Team Ruby and Team Sapphire – the new Continuity of Carer midwives from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust – have been nominated for Team of the Year in the RCM Awards 2020 – a unique celebration of the profession’s best and brightest talent.
The roll out of the continuity of carer model – which aims to ensure that more mums-to-be see their named midwife, or a midwife from a small team, right through their pregnancy journey including birth– started earlier this year, with the aim that most pregnant women across the two counties will receive their care this way by 2021.
The teams recently showcased their service at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Local Maternity System’s Continuity of Carer Day – giving practising midwives and student midwives a chance to hear how this way of working is having a positive impact on both the staff in terms of job satisfaction, and families who often form a strong bond with their midwife. They even launched a short film about their work which is available to watch on the LMS’ Birthways website at www.birthways.nhs.uk/birthwaystv/
Caitlin Wilson, Consultant Midwife and lead for the Continuity of Carer work, said: “Continuity of carer and the relationship between caregiver and receiver has been proven to lead to better outcomes and safety for woman and babies, as well as offering a more positive and personal experience.
“It forms a key part of Better Births – the report of the National Maternity Review – which set out a vision for maternity services in England which are safe and personalised; that put the needs of the women, her baby and family at the heart of care; with staff who are supported to deliver high quality care which is continuously improving.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that the teams have been recognised nationally and wish them the best of luck at the awards.”
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is currently piloting two further continuity of carer teams, with plans in place for a further five teams in the coming months.
Winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at The Brewery, London on Tuesday 5 May.
