Ms Mary Gorman:

There are two midwifery-led units in the country. They replicate the supported care model within the strategy. The strategy recognises that every woman should be seen by the appropriate professional at the appropriate time. There are a group of low risk women who choose to opt for this service. They see midwives alone depending on their risk as they travel through the pregnancy. The midwives are responsible for the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care up to seven days postnatally. There is a seamless transfer to obstetrics when the need arises and back if necessary. There is a really good working relationship between the midwives and the obstetricians. The goal is not a normal delivery at all costs. There is very good interaction and we are all part of the same governance structure.

Ms Angela Dunne said midwives are required in each stage of care no matter which pathway they fall into. Within our unit we transfer people between the labour ward and all around the unit so they have a good broad base. We all have ownership of the entire unit.