AQW 20092/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 08/06/2021
Answered On Date: 21/06/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on progress of the Continuity of Carer model during pregnancies.

Answer:

Implementing a Continuity of Midwifery Carer (CoMC) model within Northern Ireland maternity services is crucial in ensuring that women, babies and families have the best and safest possible midwifery care.

My Department is planning the transformation of maternity services towards a CoMC model. This will require investment in staff and resources, so the imminent appointment of a Regional CoMC Midwife Consultant, and subsequently a CoMC Implementation Lead Midwife in each Health and Social Care Trust will allow this to be coordinated.

This work is pivotal to the new Northern Ireland Maternity Strategy, development of which was paused due to pressures arising from the COVID-19 crisis, but will recommence as soon as possible and accelerate the delivery of a CoMC model here.