Midwives respond to NHS CCG report on future of maternity services at Whitehaven

By RCM on 09 March 2017

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have today responded to the NHS Clinical Commission Group’s (CCG) report; West, North and East Cumbria Success Regime Decision Making Report.

The RCM has been campaigning for the existing consultant-led maternity services to remain at Whitehaven based on the significant distance to Cumberland Infirmary and the risks associated with such a lengthy journey time.

Commenting, Sean O’ Sullivan Head of Health and Social Policy at the RCM says; “The RCM welcomes the CCG’s recommendation not to centralise services at Whitehaven immediately. However, it is clear from the report that this is in reality a stay of execution until a more permanent decision is made regarding the service in 12 months time.

“Essentially, over the next year the obstetric unit at Whitehaven will need to demonstrate its sustainability and during this period of time an AMU will be established. If the unit fails to demonstrate its sustainability obstetric services will move to Carlisle and an FMU will be set up at Whitehaven – but only if the audit of the new AMU concludes that an FMU will be a safe option.

“The possibility therefore remains that at the end of a year, Whitehaven could be left without either an obstetric or a midwife-led unit.

“The RCM is concerned at this stage that there is only one year to audit this service. We believe the new service as recommended by CCG should have a fair and adequate time to embed and develop before the audit period begins.

“It is also vital that there is expert midwifery involvement in establishing an AMU, the guidelines and the audit and this we hope would be in addition to RCM involvement.

“Over the coming weeks the RCM will meet with our members at Whitehaven to get their valuable feedback on the recommendations and we shall also be discussing the recommendations and appropriate next steps with the RCOG and RCPCH.”

 

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To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456 or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

 

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.