What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the Royal College of Midwives publication, Strengthening midwifery leadership: a manifesto for better maternity care?
The ‘Maternity Care in Wales – A Five Year Vision for the Future’ has been informed by the Royal College of Midwives Leadership Manifesto. Wales already meets many of the aspirations identified in the manifesto.
The manifesto calls for midwifery student support – I have extended the NHS bursary arrangements for health professional students, including midwifery students, for a further two years, taking the arrangements to 2023/24.
I have increased funding for midwifery education which has seen an increase in training numbers from 94 to 161 over the last five years.
In terms of championing midwifery leadership, Wales already has a head of midwifery service in every health board and as a group they come together as the Heads of Midwifery Advisory Group to provide collective leadership to NHS Wales. The first Director of Midwifery is currently being appointed to Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. Every health board has at least one consultant midwife.
The Welsh Government has invested in perinatal mental health services and health boards provide specialist support to mothers and families experiencing mental health problems.
In addition, I meet with the Royal College of Midwives every six months where we discuss the challenges facing midwifery as a profession and the delivery of maternity services in Wales.