Broomfield’s maternity team launch Continuity of Carer
The maternity team at Broomfield Hospital have launched their Continuity of Carer initiative.
Pregnant women will now be given a named midwife/buddy from a small team of six to eight midwives who will stay with them throughout pregnancy, birth and postnatally.
Research has shown this model of care leads to better outcomes for mothers and babies, with all women having personalised care plans outlining their individual needs and expectations.
Women are seven times more likely to be accompanied by a midwife they know at the birth, and babies are more likely to be breastfeeding after six weeks and six months.
Ros Bullen-Bell, head of midwifery at Broomfield, said: “It’s great to have our Continuity of Carer teams in place. It’s an exciting time for us all and will be better for our ladies, their families and our midwives.
“By seeing the same team, women will build trust with the midwives and feel more confident to share their concerns.
“Women will receive safer, more personalised and family-friendly care, and will be able to access support centred on their individual needs and circumstances.
“We’ve already had our first homebirth this week, and we will soon be opening a hub in central Chelmsford which will be a fantastic resource for our local community.”