Community Midwifery Units to be developed in NI

Health Minister, Angela Smith, today announced her decision to allow the development of Community Midwifery Units in Northern Ireland.

The Minister’s decision follows an extensive consultation exercise to gauge public and professional opinion to a proposal to establish Community Midwifery Units in Northern Ireland.

Speaking today, the Minister said: “I am committed to providing the women of Northern Ireland with a range of choices in their maternity care. High-quality, consultant-led maternity services are already available to all of the population.

"To widen choice, we are currently working towards increasing the number of midwifery-led units that are located on the same site as consultant units. My announcement today creates the potential to increase further the choices available to women, by allowing the development of stand-alone Community Midwifery Units.”

Commenting on the different views expressed during the consultation process, the Minister added: “Strong views have been expressed both for and against the development of Community Midwifery Units and I recognise that there are very real concerns on both sides.

"However, in light of the responses to the consultation process, and considering experiences in Great Britain where a number of Community Midwifery Units are already working effectively, I am satisfied that such units have the potential to offer a safe and effective additional tier of choice for women in Northern Ireland, in locations where they are supported by local professionals and safe and effective emergency transfer arrangements are in place.”

There is already a midwife-led unit adjacent to the consultant obstetric unit at Craigavon hospital. Similar midwife-led units are planned for a number of other hospital sites including the Altnagelvin, Ulster and Royal sites.

The Minister’s decision will allow Boards and Trusts to consider the establishment of stand-alone midwifery-led units in the community.

(MB)