Will the Minister outline what steps the Welsh Government has taken to promote midwifery leadership at all levels within the National Health Service?

Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services | Answered on 10/12/2019

In July 2019, I published ‘Maternity Care in Wales – A Five Year Vision for the Future’ that aims to meet the aspirations of women and their families across Wales. It provides a prudent approach to maternity care provision through expertise, and the choice required to optimise their birth experience. One of the five key themes in the vision is the development of skilled multi-professional teams

The Heads of Midwifery Advisory Group provides co-ordinated leadership, support and advice on the delivery of maternity care in NHS Wales, and together with the Maternity and Neonatal Network, are leading implementation of the vision through dedicated work streams.

Health boards, in association with their local higher education institutions, have the responsibility to support ongoing professional development of the nurses and midwives they employ. This includes annual mandatory training such as the PROMPT multidisciplinary training on obstetric emergencies eg post-partum haemorrhage and updating of interpreting cardiotocograph (CTG) readings; as well as other optional post registration courses and support to complete higher awards such as Masters and doctoral studies.

The Welsh Government, in collaboration of the Royal College of Midwives, jointly funds an annual midwifery leadership programme. This provides a cohort of midwives from across NHS Wales to participate in leadership development opportunities, to receive individual coaching and to develop innovative improvement projects. Previous participants have presented the findings from their projects at national and international events as well as publishing their findings.