Menu
29/07/2004
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
18 November 2024
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
