Report calls for better continuity in maternity care

A report published by the Picker Institute Europe has called for more support for staff in the maternity service to deliver ‘person-centred care’ to women who are giving birth.

The charity, which campaigns for high quality health and social care, highlighted that almost half of official safety assessments of maternity services from December 2013 to May 2015 revealed shortcomings.

It cited figures which suggested seven per cent of services were rated ‘inadequate’ for safety by the Care Quality Commission while 41 per cent required improvement. Gaps were also found in the support and information offered to women during and after their pregnancy, particularly concerning postnatal care.

“This demonstrates the value of having an ongoing relationship with a single practitioner as a means of ensuring continuity of care.

“Whilst there will be occasions where people need to see different midwives due to changes in staffing, personal circumstances, or preferences, it is important for as many women as possible to be given the opportunity to see the same midwife throughout their maternity care if they want to.”

It concluded: “Staff need to be supported to deliver person centred care. To enable this, they should have the opportunity to work in high performing teams and organisations which are well led and in cultures which promote innovation, continuous learning, and break down organisational and professional boundaries.”