Minister announces review of maternity services for Northern Ireland

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today announced plans for a comprehensive review of maternity services.

This announcement comes at a time when maternity services are working to increase the standards of care in maternity units and respond to the increase in the birth rate of recent years.

Announcing the review the Minister said: "Safe sustainable maternity services are a top priority for my Department. Over recent years our maternity services have been under considerable pressure and I want to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of all staff involved in maternity care.

"In Northern Ireland we have one of the safest maternity services in the UK. However, the increasing birth rate and ever increasing standards for maternity services, means the time is right for us to take a comprehensive look at our service."

The Minister has invited Dr Paul Fogarty, Royal College of Obstetricians, and Professor Cathy Warwick, General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, to co-chair the review. The Minister said: "It is vital that all those involved in maternity services have their voices heard and we can take account of the views of people working on the ground. The appointment of Dr Fogarty and Professor Warwick as joint chairs will ensure a joined up approach to the review and subsequent strategy.”

The review will consider the current provision of services for women at each stage of their pregnancy, including ante-natal care, delivery and post-natal care. The review will consider the quality and safety of these services in the context of current standards both nationally and internationally.

The Minister continued: "Crucial to any of our services is the skill and expertise of staff, particularly clinical staff. It is therefore important that the review takes account of a range of workforce issues in addition to a detailed consideration of the role of midwifery led care.”

Speaking following his appointment as co-chair, Dr Paul Fogarty said: "Having a child is an important event for every mother and every family. This review and the subsequent standards that emerge, will help shape our maternity services and ensure that they can meet the needs of women and families in the future."

Professor Cathy Warwick commented: "I welcome the involvement of the Royal College of Midwives in this important work and I look forward to working in partnership with clinicians and senior health staff in this important review."

Notes to editors:

1. The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) has completed a review of maternity services, which focused specifically on the care given to women in labour. The findings of that review will be published shortly, and the recommendations of the RQIA review will be taken into full consideration in the development of the new maternity strategy.

2. Professor Cathy Warwick CBE is General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives and was chair of the maternity working group contributing to Lord Darzi’s report on Healthcare for London.

3. Dr Paul Fogarty is a consultant obstetrician at the Ulster Hospital. He is the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Committee of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology.

4. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.