Health: Midwives

Baroness Masham of Ilton Excerpts

Monday 10th June 2013 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, we are working hard on this. Officials from the department have been in discussion with stakeholders, including Independent Midwives UK, on an ongoing basis for at least four years with a view to identifying potential solutions to the issue. Arising in part from these discussions, independent midwives can now obtain affordable indemnity cover for the whole of the maternity care pathway either in the NHS or in the private sector. However, it is acknowledged that this is achievable only if they operate as part of some form of social enterprise or corporate entity. That is the issue that we have to get to grips with between now and October.

[Baroness Masham of Ilton]

My Lords, how independent are these midwives? Are they responsible to themselves?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, in terms of their practice, they are responsible to themselves and of course to their patients or clients but they are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as professionals.