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Continuity of carer midwives showcase their service at event - and launch new film!

Midwives from Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s new ‘continuity of carer’ teams came together to showcase how the service is benefiting both families and midwives, at an event last week – and launched a short film about their work at the same time.

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 inlcuding 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 Continuity of Carer Day, organised by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Local Maternity System (LMS) partners with support from the University of Worcester Student Midwifery Society, was a chance for practising midwives and student midwives to learn more about the new model from members of the team already working to deliver care in this way, as well as hearing personal stories from new mothers who have benefitted from continuity of carer.

 

“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."

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.

“The Continuity of Carer Day was a great opportunity for current and future midwives to hear how this way of working is really having a positive impact on both the staff in terms of job satisfaction, and families who often form a strong bond with their midwife.”

One of the new mums who features in the Continuity of Carer film that was launched on the day, said: “My midwife knew my history – all the things I wanted as part of my birth plan. It makes you feel cared for.”

To see how Continuity of Carer is benefiting mums and midwives, you can watch the short film on the LMS’ Birthways website at www.birthways.nhs.uk/birthwaystv/

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Herefordshire & Worcestershire
Local Maternity and Neonatal System