Need to see pronouncements on maternity turn into reality at the front line

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The last baby to be born at Rochdale Infirmary, Archie Young

Commenting on the Government announcement on Sunday 11 November of some maternity provision in the NHS Mandate and a £25 million fund to improve maternity services Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said: “This is a welcome and positive step and one that we have been asking for. Putting maternity care in the mandate for the NHS will I hope help to ensure maternity services are a priority for the NHS. However, we do need to see what is in the mandate itself before we can fully assess its importance.

“The Mandate is new and its effect on the actual service in the NHS is yet to be seen. The question is how do the Government's pronouncements turn into improved care for women and babies? Essentially, how will the Government ensure this happens?

'Any additional money is welcome. £25 million is a relatively small sum compared to the annual budget for maternity services of around £2.5 billion. However it will help to make changes to the environment which can improve care and the fact that women are going to be part of the process of deciding how the money will be spent is very positive.

“I hope the Government ensures the money is accessible to those on the front line easily and quickly, and that systems for getting the money are simple.

“This development comes on top of governmentpledges made earlier in the year, including a commitment to ensure that women will have one named midwife who will oversee their care during pregnancy and, after they have had their baby.”

“I hope to see all these positive commitments become a reality and translate into better care for women and their babies.”