Dorset midwives named WaterWipes team of the year at RCM’s Annual Midwifery Awards
on 13 March 2019 RCM Annual Midwifery Awards Home Birth
Midwives from a specialist NHS Homebirth Team at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation trust are celebrating having been named the ‘WaterWipes team of the year’ at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Annual Midwifery Awards 2019.
In just over three years this homebirth midwifery team increased the localities homebirth rate from 2.3% to over 10% and in turn increased breastfeeding rates.
The team named ‘The Cygnet Homebirth team’ comprises of a midwife team leader and five band 6 midwives and provides full midwifery care to women who choose to birth at home. The care also includes antenatal and postnatal appointments at home.
The midwives on the homebirth team provide routine care, an on call service twenty-four hours a day, and attend unplanned homebirths. There is also a base within the maternity unit ensuring communication and support from the wider multidisciplinary team too.
The winning maternity team were presented with their accolade by BBC One Show presenter Alex Jones at the awards ceremony held in London on Tuesday March 5th.
Commenting, Gill Walton Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said, “This award is truly deserved and I wish to congratulate all midwives on the homebirth team at Dorset for their commitment to women who chose to birth at home.
“Without doubt, this homebirth team is a shining example of continuity of carer and the value that can bring to women and their families, these 6 midwives not only attend homebirths, but deliver antenatal and postnatal care to women in their homes.
“Delivering safe and personalised care to low risk women in their homes really does increase choice for women and that’s something that has to be commended.”
Jill Sommerville, Global Medical Marketing Manager at WaterWipes said, “WaterWipes is proud to take part in the RCM annual awards and recognise the excellent work that midwifery and maternity teams around the country do day in and day out.
Congratulations to the entire Homebirth Team at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation on a thoroughly deserved award. Their commitment to ensuring that high quality midwifery care is available for those women in Dorset who chose to birth at home is truly inspiring.”
Midwife from the Cygnet Homebirth Team, Ali Fuszard, said: “We are so proud to have won as we were up against midwifery teams of all types from all over the country. “At the current time the national homebirth rate remains at 2.1 per cent. Women enjoy our service as all appointments are carried out within their home, not just the birth, so they get to know their midwife and receive a truly personalised service.”
To contact the RCM Media Relations Team call 020 7312 3456 or email media@rcm.org.uk.
For more information on the RCM Annual Midwifery Awards click here: https://www.rcmawards.com/2019-shortlist
On social media use the hashtag #rcmawards #midwiferymoments
Ends
Notes to editors
The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/