AQW 20879/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 24/06/2021
Answered On Date: 07/07/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health (i) to detail his plans to roll out the continuity of carer model of care for new mothers; and (ii) his assessment of the benefits of this model.

Answer:

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.

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.

The specific benefits of the CoMC approach is well documented. Once the wider policy is implemented, it is intended that continuity of midwifery carer will be available for all women, including those women who are pregnant following a previous pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.