03.01.13
Simplified rules for midwives published
The revised Midwives Rules and Standards came into force on 1 January 2013, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has announced.
The updated rules follow consultation with nearly 1,000 organisations and individuals. Some rules have been simplified or clarified, and those covered by other standards or legislation removed.
Local supervising authorities will now be required to publish guidelines for the annual review of midwives’ practice to ensure a standardised approach. The rules also include new guidance to outline how best to deal with issues arising from a midwife’s practice.
Katerina Kolyva, acting director of registration and standards at the NMC said: “Mothers are right to expect high quality care from the midwives they rely on during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. We hope the new rules will help to ensure that they can continue to feel confident in the care they receive.
“The new Midwives rules and standards reflect the needs of midwives, mothers and a range of other people and organisations. They are streamlined, clear and relevant but will continue to maintain the provision of a statutory framework for the practice and supervision of midwives that protects the wellbeing of mothers and babies.”
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