Welsh midwife scoops top UK midwifery award
on 28 March 2019 RCM Annual Midwifery Awards Induction
A midwife from Anuerin Bevan University Health Board in Wales has scooped one of the UK’s top midwifery awards at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Annual Midwifery Awards 2019.
Louise Taylor was awarded the RCM Award for Policy into Practice and was presented with her award by fellow Welsh woman Alex Jones, presenter of the BBC’s One Show at an awards ceremony in London earlier this week (Tuesday March 5th).
This award is presented to a person or team who has effectively implemented sustainable change in their maternity services by applying Government policy (for example, Better Births in England or Prudent Healthcare in Wales).
Louise’s winning initiative acknowledged views expressed by women in Wales a national survey 'Your Birth - We Care' (2017) and adopts the principles of prudent maternity care, where innovations can lead to improvements that help maintain birth in an appropriate setting with minimal intervention to meet the needs of women and babies.
In 2016 midwife Louise introduced the option of Out-Patient Induction of Labour (OP IOL) for low-risk, post-term women.
Induction of labour occurs in over 20% of all pregnancies in the UK. Evidence suggests that induction of labour is unpopular with women, resulting for many in loss of control over the birth process, social isolation during a time of crucial importance to a family and increased use of analgesia. Recent evidence suggests that induction of labour in a hospital setting can lead to women experiencing sleep deprivation, anxiety and a lack of privacy.
Commenting, Gill Walton CEO and General Secretary at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said; “I wish to congratulate Louise on her winning initiative.
"Since 2016, women being cared for by Anuerin Bevan’s maternity services have clearly benefited from a reduction in the time spent they have had to spend in hospital before the birth. The option of OPIOL has allowed women to return home, making the process of induction of labour feel more relaxed and also, importantly, allowing women to spend more time in their home with their family ahead of their baby being born. I know women with other children that they may need to care for who find this really valuable.”
NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, Andrea Sutcliffe said: “Many congratulations to Louise, who has deservedly been recognised for the work she’s done to improve the maternity experience for mothers and families at Anuerin Bevan.
“Better, safer care for people is what I’m passionate about and Louise’s introduction of this innovative new practice is a great example of this. It’s led to a much more relaxed experience for expectant mothers by allowing them to spend more time in the comfort of their home, with their families, before birth.”
To contact the RCM Media Relations Team call 020 7312 3456 or email media@rcm.org.uk.
More information on the RCM Annual Midwifery Awards: https://www.rcmawards.com/2019-shortlist
On social media use the hashtags #rcmawards #midwiferymoments
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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/