We believe the implementation of the IMA
Community Midwifery Model will help the NHS achieve the aims of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Children, Young People and Maternity, published by the Department of Health in Sept 2004.
Standard 11 of the framework (Maternity Services)
states:
'Women have easy access to supportive, high quality maternity services, designed around their individual needs and those of their babies.'
'In pre-birth care, women are able to access a midwife as their first point of contact and all women are supported by a known midwife throughout their pregnancy'.
'All women are involved in planning their own care with information, advice and
support from professionals, including choosing the place they would like to give
birth and supported by appropriately qualified professionals who will attend
them throughout their pregnancy and after birth.'
'Woman-centred care services meet the needs of each mother and her baby, and ensure that parents are involved in the planning and evaluation of services'.
'Women make informed choices and plan their care in partnership with
professionals. They have easy access to information and support throughout their pregnancy and post-birth......'
'Care pathways and managed care networks link maternity and neonatal services with a range of services and professionals to ensure all women and their babies have equal access to high quality care.'
All services facilitate normal childbirth wherever possible, with medical
interventions recommended only when they are of benefit to the woman and/or her
baby.
All these would be achieved by the implementation
of the Community Midwifery Model.
The complete Maternity Services section of the
Framework can be read here.
