Terms of Reference
To review current maternity services and bring forward recommendations in the form of a regional strategy by October 2010, for the delivery of high quality, safe, sustainable, accessible, women centred maternity services in Northern Ireland.
Specifically the review will consider:
- The provision of services for women at each stage of their pregnancy, including ante-natal care, intrapartum care and post natal care with a particular focus on the contribution of Midwifery led units, both stand alone and adjacent to obstetric units, in providing high quality, accessible care.
- The quality and safety of maternity services in the context of standards endorsed for use in the HSC sector and taking due account of other prevailing standards. *
- The further development of an evidence-based approach to maternity services, providing informed choice and improving user experience at each stage of pregnancy, consistent with standards as in (ii).
- Workforce issues, including training and skill mix of clinical staff, and the impact of the Working Time Regulations.
While this review will not specifically address related specialties it will take account of the interfaces between maternity services and other services including gynaecology, paediatric/neonatal, anaesthetic and mental health.
* The Project Board will take account of the RQIA report of 2010 and other relevant reports in developing the strategy.
