LISTEN: MFR News reveals plans to change midwife staffing in Wick
Is this a second blow for Caithness & Sutherland mums-to-be?
MFR can reveal that the NHS plans to change midwife staffing for Caithness and Sutherland - just a week after downgrading Wick's hospital's maternity services.
The health board says 'how a midwife is accessed may differ in the future' with staff on hand between 8am and 8pm, and midwives could be just a phone call away for the other 12-hours, if needed at Caithness General.
LISTEN: MFR News broke the story earlier on, when newsreader John Rose brought you these reports...
NHS HIGHLAND STATEMENT:
'Currently there is no change to how the unit is staffed with midwives but we are in discussions with staff about when and how to change the staffing model.
There will always be 24/7 service. How a midwife is accessed may differ in the future. Our other CMUs operate a different staffing model. In our other units midwives work 12 hours shifts (8-8) with two midwives on call from 8 pm to 8am and if needed would be called into the hospital. This model needs to be explored in terms of its suitability for Caithness, as part of the transition work and workforce planning.
The number of contacts for the maternity unit overnight is very small. By moving to on-call it provides a more sustainable model. It would free up some midwifery hours which can then used to provide an increased staffing level during the day when activity is busiest and where the greatest need is in relation to antenatal care of vulnerable women and families. The midwives also work in collaboration with Highland Council Children’s service colleagues in supporting the fundamental principles of GIRFEC and the Early Years agenda to ensure all children get the best possible start in life.'