Jeremy Hunt: Mothers Will Get Dedicated Midwife Throughout

Health and Social Care Secretary, Jeremy Hunt has pledged that women will be entitled to see the same Midwife all the way through their pregnancy – including the labour and birth – as part of the Government’s plan to reduce the number of maternity deaths.

At the moment it’s fairly common for women to see a different Midwife at each antenatal check-up, and then a different Midwife at the birth… but that’s all set to change in the not-too-distant future.

Over the course of the next 12 months a fifth of pregnant women will be allocated named, dedicated Midwife – with the plan being that all expectant mothers have their very own Midwife by 2021.

It’s believed that the new measures will provide a continuity of care that will reduce the number of miscarriages, stillbirths and neonatal deaths.  According to research, women that have a dedicated Midwife from start to finish are 19% less likely to suffer a miscarriage, and the chances of avoiding a premature birth increase by a whopping 24%.

To help with staff shortages, Mr Hunt also promised to have 25% more Midwives in training next year – with the ultimate target being an extra 3,000 over the next four years.  A new pay deal which will see NHS staff (including Midwives) receive a pay rise of between 6.5% and 29% will hopefully be a big factor in this crucial recruitment drive.