The programme, launched this week, will encourage the creation ofmaternity support workers who will back up the work of midwives.
NHS Employers piloted the support worker role last year in 50 NHStrusts. The results from the pilot, which created more than 200maternity support workers, showed that these workers could save up totwo-thirds of midwives' time each week.
Cathy Devonport, the programme lead, said midwives had been freed up tocarry out work such as providing one-to-one care during labour andsupporting mothers with complex needs.
Supervised by midwives, the support workers also ran breastfeedinggroups, followed up home visits and gave ante- and post-natal parentingadvice.
Whittington Hospital NHS Trust employs two and a halfwhole-time-equivalent maternity support workers who operate from SureStart and three children's centres.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
