Royal College of Midwives say Isle of Man maternity strategy ‘urgently needed’

The RCM has said a maternity strategy for the Isle of Man is urgently needed to improve safety for women.

 

The union’s lead for the island, Karen Murray, said there were “serious holes” in midwife funding and numbers, adding that the safety and wellbeing of mothers, babies and staff were potentially being “compromised”.

 

A spokesperson for Manx Care said the organisation was committed to working with the RCM on a strategy.

 

The union said that although a review three years ago found there was a need for more midwives, the numbers have not since improved.

 

The union also highlighted a lack of consultant midwives who improve safety and care in maternity units, a shortage of specialist midwives to support women with mental health problems, and the need for additional training for current staff.

 

Ms Murray said that while current staff were “working incredibly hard” to ensure the safest and best care, there were “not enough of them”.

 

“I know we are pushing at an open door with the Manx government on this, but this does need their attention now.”

 

She added “There should be red lights flashing”.

 

A spokesperson for Manx Care said the health care provider was “exploring all options” to boost numbers, but recruitment was “incredibly difficult” due to a significant shortage of midwives in the UK.

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s team of medical negligence lawyers have years of experience in high value and complex medical negligence compensation claims and have an excellent record.  The team is led by Tony May, a specialist cerebral palsy and birth injury solicitor, who has over 20 years experience in handling cases in which babies have been brain damaged or sustained other injuries as a result of medical negligence.  He and his team continue to represent many cerebral palsy children and young adults in medical negligence claims.  Tony also acts as a Court of Protection Deputy for many of the cerebral palsy and brain damaged clients that he has represented, so we can continue to support you after your case is settled.  Tony can be contacted by email on tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk.  Alternatively, please call and speak to any of Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist medical negligence Legal Aid and no win, no fee solicitors for free legal advice on Freephone 0800 304 7382