Written question asked by Tony Colman (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 October 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Thursday, 14 October 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will develop and implement the NHS Community Midwifery Model; what his policy is on offering continuing care from a single midwife for each pregnant woman throughout the course of the pregnancy, labour and post-natal care.

Answer: Mr. Colman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will develop and implement the NHS Community Midwifery Model; [190238] (2) what his policy is on offering continuing care from a single midwife for each pregnant woman throughout the course of the pregnancy, labour and post-natal care. [190237] Dr. Ladyman: I have met with the Independent Midwives Association to discuss their national health service community midwifery model. We are giving this careful consideration. The maternity standard of the national service framework (NSF) for children, young people and maternity services was published on 15 September 2004. It asks all NHS maternity care providers and primary care trusts to ensure that all women are offered the support of a named midwife throughout pregnancy and that all women are able to contact a midwife day or night at any stage in pregnancy if they have concerns. Implementing the NSF over its 10-year timescale is mandatory, although local agencies will have the flexibility to plan how these standards should be met.

Secondary information