November 2008 - The campaign to save the
Independent Midwifery Model continues. Independent midwives may be
unable to practice legally after next year unless women and men demand this
option remains open. If they are unable to practice, pregnant women
will have very little choice over the care they receive. If Independent
midwives can work for primary care trusts (PCT's) women would have more
choice within the NHS system. If midwives currently working within the
NHS can see that Independent Midwives are able to contract their services to
the NHS more of them will be interested in taking up this option, making a
starting point for the introduction of the NHS Community Midwifery Model.
Independent Midwives in the UK are now in the process of collecting names
and addresses of as many people as possible who would like to see
Independent Midwifery essentially FREE to all women. If a local need
can be demonstrated then Primary Care Trusts will be more inclined to
commission independent midwifery services. It ticks all the boxes in
Maternity Matters for women and may entice non-practicing midwives back into
the best job in the world.
PCT's, and therefore Independent Midwives, have Government support to make
it a reality. Please go to www.kentmidwiferypractice.net
the website of Virginia Howes (Independent midwife) who is collecting the
information. Where you will find a simple form asking for your name, address
and post code. It only takes a minute to complete.
Please pass this information to as many people as possible, women midwives,
dads, and grandparents. We all want the best for the women of the UK.
April 2008 - The Independent Midwives Association
is organising a postcard campaign for supporters to contact
their local Primary Care Trust. We are asking PCTs to ensure women have
access to community caseload midwifery and homebirth, and to commission
local independent midwives. Look
up the address of your PCT here. If you want a supply of their specially
printed postcards send them an email at contact@saveindependentmidwifery.org,
or you may like to write a letter to your PCT Chairman.
April 2008 - 
For details of National Screenings click Here
Click here to see how the
NHSCMM fits in with the Government's National Service Framework for Children, Young
People and Maternity, (DOH, September 2004)
