Just as the government had extensive warnings about prison
overcrowding in the last few years, it was also aware of the shortage of midwives putting mothers and babies at risk.
Three years ago, “truly alarming” figures revealed that the number of midwives intending to work in the NHS was falling sharply. Labour pledged to increase the numbers so that every pregnant woman would be cared for throughout by the same nominated midwife.
Yet research shows that many baby units are failing to meet targets for the number of midwives and that Labour’s promise is far from being achieved.
Shortages of midwives often led to maternity unit closures; in the past year, units in England were closed for almost 4,000 hours, or 165 days. This meant that women expecting to give birth at a particular hospital were transferred elsewhere at the last minute.
Dedicated community midwives have also been severely affected. Following restructuring at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon, they have been told to reapply for their job – at £1,500 less a year.
One midwife described their demoralised feelings:
“We feel downtrodden, we feel downhearted, we feel betrayed.”
Another angry midwife blamed hospital’s mismanagement, that they were having to pay for the mistakes of others. In fact, the future of Hinchingbrooke’s maternity unit is still in doubt following a review to find ways to claw back the hospital’s £29.9 million deficit.
One would imagine that a shortage of midwives would mean hospital managers treated them with the highest regard; reducing their pay does not reflect the value placed on their work.
I benefited from this community service following the birth of my two sons, one of whom was born with a fractured collar bone. Those home visits were crucial in providing assurances. Community midwives can pick up signals like post-natal depression, they help new mums overcome fears and difficulties with first-time parenting. They are being treated shabbily. Is it any surprise they are leaving the NHS?
I `ve been following this and thats a super summary Ellee. The midwife we had was just an angel ..one day I `ll tell you the story.
On the way to work today I saw our GP park his Ferrari. Not unrelated.
Midwives are just wonderful.
See how nice I can be…..(mutter mutter)
Newmania, Most women have lovely memories about their midwives. And yes, you can be very nice for sure, but I like the Victor Meldrew Mania too.
You might be interested in reading this profile about my blog written by the very erudite Tom Paine, he spent more than 8 hours reading my posts, now that’s dedication:
http://lastditch.typepad.com/lastditch/2007/01/ellee_seymour_m.html
Midwives are indeed a vital part of society, as I’m sure many mothers will agree.
There is a related issue here to target setting by Labour for the number of home births. This means the hospitals have reduced numbers and community services have had more midwives.
However, now in changing tims the community services are having money cut. The mid-wives are left int he middle of this administrative mess.
Then this government is failing the community in every measurable sense. If only there was the power of recall.
As a community midwife I would just like to thank all commentators for their support but would also like to say that community midwifery services have not had their numbers increased, or not locally at least. We have however increased our homebirth rate and now it seems that we could be wonderfully rewarded, by re-grading and a paycut. Thank you Patricia, Tony and chums for making promises on our behalf, would that you had also given us the same contract as the G.P’s.
Midwife Muse, You are right to say you deserve a pay rise, thanks for commenting.