Northern Ireland to launch new model of maternity care

Northern Ireland is to launch a new model of maternity care to improve communication between health professionals and expectant mums.

The Continuity of Midwifery Carer (CoMC) model aims to provide women with care from the same midwife or team of midwives during pregnancy, birth and the early parenting period, as well as obstetric and other specialist care.

At a launch event in Parliament Buildings, chief nursing officer Maria McIlgorm said the model’s introduction was a very positive development for maternity services in Northern Ireland.

“The establishment of a regional CoMC model of care will benefit users of maternity services across Northern Ireland, improve care for expectant mothers and babies, and contribute to improved population health,” she said.

Evidence suggests midwife continuity of carer models can reduce interventions and improve clinical outcomes and women’s experiences.

The CoMC programme plan sets out indicative milestones for implementing and evaluating a single regional CoMC model in Northern Ireland.

Currently in its second phase, the model will soon be rolled out across Northern Ireland’s five Health and Social Care Trusts.

Michelle Harrison, midwife consultant at the Public Health Agency, said: “Each HSC Trust in Northern Ireland has been forging ahead to ensure that the essential building blocks are in place to support the implementation of this new model of care.

“Over the next few months it is anticipated that all HSC Trusts will have at least one team established.

“Women will be able to decide if they wish to benefit from this model of care and will meet their named midwife at their antenatal booking appointment.”

She added: “The CoMC Team will provide 24/7 availability for labour and birth and will support women in all birth choice settings.

“The named midwife will also support a woman during discharge from hospital, if that is where she had her baby, will visit her at home after the birth, and will co-ordinate the handover of care to the Health Visitor, to ensure the mother and baby get the care they need.”

Dr Dale Spence, midwifery officer at the Department of Health, said the evidence indicated that midwives working in this model experience greater professional satisfaction, autonomy and empowerment, reduced burnout and more manageable caseloads.

“This is a proud moment for women, midwives, and maternity services in Northern Ireland,” she said.

“Implementation of the CoMC model in Northern Ireland demonstrates the efforts to action critical evidence towards meaningful change for our profession, but also importantly, for the women and families for whom we care.”