HOME birth training from a UK charity will not take place until summer following the pausing of the Island’s service.
Baby Lifeline, a “nationally-recognised provider of maternity and neonatal safety training” which supports frontline NHS staff to prevent childbirth injuries and deaths, will train local midwives on a one-day course in early July.
The Health Department declined to confirm the cost of the course when queried by the JEP’s sister publication Bailiwick Express, saying it was “commercially sensitive”.
The Island’s home birth service was suspended in October to carry out an internal review of protocols, staff training and resources.
Assistant Health Minister Andy Howell – who has responsibility for women’s health matters – told the States Assembly last month that plans were in place for 40 local midwives to be trained by a UK company before the service can be reinstated.
The Island’s director of midwifery, Ros Bullen-Bell, explained: “The course, Childbirth Emergencies in the Community, specifically addresses emergencies that may arise during home births and in community settings.
“The training aligns with national maternity safety standards and will help to ensure that staff are equipped with essential skills required for safe practice.”
According to Baby Lifeline, this one-day course aims to “review and update on important elements in the management of emergency skills that may be needed when women birth at home”, and typically costs £180 per person.
The training was initially due to take place in April or May, but the Baby Lifeline website confirmed that the course date was not until 3 July.
The home birth service will not be reinstated until after this training has been completed, according to previous announcements.
Deputy Howell last month said: “We very much regret the
temporary pause to the home birthing service.
“However, because we do not have enough trained midwives, we have been advised by the director of midwifery and nursing that the service has to cease temporarily.
“We have an obligation to support her expert professional opinion. This is to ensure that our maternity service is safe for our mums.
“There will be no exceptions.”
Deputy Howell added that the outcome of Health’s internal review of the home birth service was due by the end of June “at the earliest”.
She explained: “The plan is to reintroduce the home birthing service when all the staff have been appropriately trained, any recommendations to the review have been implemented, and it is deemed safe to do so.
“In the meantime, all women have been offered care and support for the delivery of their babies within the maternity unit at the General Hospital.”
