CNO Newsletter March 2011 - Department of Health, Social ...

CNO Visits Downpatrick andLaganValley Midwife Led unitsOn 23rd February Martin Bradleyvisited the 2 freestanding midwifeled units in Northern Ireland. Thefirst visit was to the Downe Hospitalwhere the midwife led unit had justcelebrated its 50th birth. When itopened on the 22nd March 2010the target was that 50 babieswould be born in the first year. On15th February baby Faye arrived tocomplete this target a month aheadof schedule. Faye’s mum Louisehas appealed in the Down Recorderfor women across the district to usewhat she has described as “thiswonderful facility”. On visiting theunit the CNO met with the Head ofMidwifery, Elaine Madden, and theAssistant Director for women andchild health, Eileen Mc Eneaneyand many of the midwives.The midwives in Downpatrick havebeen providing antenatal andpostnatal services to local womensince the closure of the obstetricunit in 2002 and are very excitedto now be able to provide a midwifeled service for women duringlabour and delivery.Mrs Mc Eneaney said shewas delighted by the 50thbirth which was achievedthanks to the dedicated andvery experienced midwivesin Downpatrick as well assupport from the localcommunity.Following the visit to the Downethe CNO visited the newmidwife led unit in Lagan Valleywhich transferred servicesfrom obstetric led on the 2ndFebruary. The unit has beengiven a complete refurbishmentto bring it up to the standardof both Downpatrick and theHome from Home in the Ulster.The Minister for Health SocialServices and Public Safety willofficially open the unit on the 10thMarch. On the day of the visit therehad been 12 babies born to date.L to R:Donna Smyth (Student Midwife),Martin Bradley (Chief Nursing Officer)and Zoe Boreland (Lead Midwife)L to R:Aine McGinn, Elaine Madden, TeresaMcDowell, Helen Wallace, PaulaMcConn and Martin BradleyLagan Valley and its contribution to maternityservices over the years as well as celebrate thefact that once these services were withdrawn afreestanding midwife led unit would remain.The obstetricians in Lagan Valley since theannouncement of the development of amidwife led unit have been very supportiveof the concept both encouraging the womenfrom the area and the general practitioners tocontinue to book in the unit when appropriate.Obstetricians and midwives past and presenthad a great evening saying goodbye to one eraand welcoming another.L to R: Dr Caroline Bryson, Hugh McCaughey (Chief Executive),Seamus McGoran (Director of Hospital Services) and ZoeBoreland (Lead Midwife)13