The future of midwifery practice and roles

Abstract

The NHS needs to make real term cost savings whilst maintaining and, where possible, enhancing the quality of essential services. The performance of maternity services is seen as a touchstone of whether the NHS is delivering quality health services in general. Recent events in relation to increased infant and maternal mortalities demonstrate the necessity of the benefits of continued improved patient safety. The pressing issues which maternity services face are financial, quality and safety.