New training for maternity staff

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/north_west/7911518.stm

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A new training scheme for maternity support workers to enable them to relieve midwives of some of their current tasks is to begin.

Once fully trained, the staff could take on responsibility for providing advice to mothers and undertake routine tests such as blood pressure readings.

Latest figures show the birth rate is continuing to rise in Wales.

The training is being announced by the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales at a Royal College of Midwives' conference.

The event at the Millennium Stadium is the RCM's annual St David's Day conference.

There are 1,977 registered midwives in Wales and estimates suggest support workers make up around 20% of the total maternity workforce.

The workers would be part of a team supervised by a midwife and could provide advice to the expectant and new mothers on a range of subjects including breastfeeding, baby and mother nutrition and give routine care such as taking blood pressure and blood tests.

'Pressure'

Earlier this month, Health Minster Edwina Hart announced an expansion in health courses, including increasing the number of midwifery training places.

The support work training will take up to 18 months maximum and will be a mixture of classroom and on-the-job training.

Chief Nursing Officer Rosemary Kennedy said: "Midwives have an invaluable role in caring for mothers and new-born babies, but as a result of the increasing birth rate, have been under greater pressure. Despite that, they continue to provide excellent care.

"I see this new training for maternity support workers as an essential part of our ongoing commitment to improve care.

"The support workers have a major contribution to make to the care of mothers and babies, but this is often not used to its full potential.

"The new training package will ensure that all maternity workers will have the same training. It will provide clear roles and more career opportunities for staff, which will help aid recruitment and retention."