Midwives voice fears over NHS charging

The Department of Health yesterday published a consultation on migrant access and their financial contribution to NHS provision in England.

Commenting on the consultation Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “There is no reference to maternity services in the document. We need to know what this means for users and for midwives as to what maternity care women will be entitled to, because this could create uncertainty and confusion.

“The extension of charges to primary care services such as GPs is a concern. This may deter some women, such as those from vulnerable groups including those that have been refused asylum or have been trafficked, from accessing care at this level.

"I fear that these women could fall through the cracks and only find their way into the health system when it is too late, if at all. Women from these groups are often already in poorer health and these steps could have negative consequences for their pregnancy and the developing baby.

"I am deeply concerned that the lack of clarity around maternity services could lead to midwives having to ‘police’ access to services, and this would be unacceptable.

"Previous guidance to provide care to pregnant women irrespective of the woman’s ability to pay should still stand. Midwives owe a duty of care to pregnant women and their babies and they should be free to provide care to any women who walk through their doors.”