Following the announcement earlier this week that One to One (North West) Limited had taken the decision that they are unable to continue with their contract to provide community midwifery services and went into administration on 31st July 2019, Liverpool Women’s Hospital maternity teams have come together to support women.
The maternity team, from midwives, obstetricians, sonographers, safeguarding, to managers and admin staff have all come together to allow for a smooth transition into the Liverpool Women’s NHS services for any women that has been affected by the ceasing of the One to One midwifery service.
Caron Lappin, Director of Nursing & Midwifery said “I would like to thank all the staff that have been involved this week making sure that the ladies safety is our key priority. You are a brilliant team and I am so proud of how you have all pulled together you have all gone above and beyond.”
For one team, the Midwife at Home Team, they have successfully supported two women and their families in less than 24 hours to still have the homebirths they planned. Providing a smooth transition, with minimal impact on the patient’s journey, welcoming two beautiful babies into the world in the comfort of their own homes.
Shadae Mullard, Midwife said “the Midwife at Home Team were privileged to be able to support the two women and families, allowing them to still have the birth they planned and hoped for. Welcoming their beautiful babies into the world, supporting them to make informed choices is so rewarding."
On the morning of Thursday 1st August, less than 24 hours after first contacting the team midwives Shadae and Bernice attended the home of Francesca and her partner Harry to support them in welcoming their baby into the world. Ted William arrived at 11:50am.
Dad, Harry said “how amazing we have not had to go anywhere, we can just be here together; why would you not choose a homebirth?"
Women and families who are already under the care of Liverpool Women’s Midwife at Home Team have been extremely understanding during this transition period.
Shadae added “Thank you to the women and families who were already being provided care by the Midwife at Home Team who have been extremely understanding and flexible whist we assist the transition of care for the women and families from One to One.
I am proud to be a Liverpool Women’s midwife, we have an amazing team, but our thoughts do go out to the One to One midwives and women at this difficult time.”
All teams have come together, putting plans in place to ensure Liverpool Women’s provide care for those women who have been affected.
Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive said “massive thank you to all our midwives, obstetricians, sonographers, safeguarding team, admin staff and managers who have rallied together to support women and families affected. You have all worked so hard to support additional women accessing our service at short notice.”
At Liverpool Women’s we want your birthing experience to be as positive and fulfilling as we can make it. The nature of your pregnancy may determine which of the three options best suits your needs.
Homebirth: The Liverpool Women’s Midwife at Home Team are a group of experienced midwives, dedicated to providing midwifery care throughout the pregnancy journey to low-risk women who are considering giving birth at home.
Supported by our community midwives, the Liverpool Women’s Midwife at Home Team provide a 24-hour service, seven days a week giving you access to a known midwife throughout your pregnancy, birth and after your baby is born.
Many women are choosing to give birth at home because they see giving birth as a normal physiological process rather than an illness and therefore feel no need to go into hospital. It is suitable for women who are considered to be low risk or have no underlying medical conditions. As part of an informed choice any woman, including first time mums can have a home birth, although they are more likely to be transferred to hospital for pain relief or following a prolonged labour than those who have had babies before. There are real advantages of giving birth in relaxing and familiar surroundings. It is worth noting that you won’t have access to every kind of pain relief, such as an epidural, and that if complications do develop you may need to be transferred to hospital. If you are considered high risk and still wish to have your baby at home, you will usually meet with our Consultant Midwife to devise a suitable plan of care.
Midwifery-Led Unit: The midwifery-led unit is the ideal place for women who could have had their baby at home but have chosen not to. If you have had a straightforward pregnancy without complications, then you are most likely to give birth in our midwifery-led unit. Here, a team of dedicated and highly trained midwives and health care assistants will provide all the care and help you need, allowing you and your family to experience the delivery of your baby in quiet and private, en-suite room. There is also a birthing pool. Most forms of pain relief are available but if you request an epidural this will involve you being moved to by the adjacent consultant-led unit, Delivery Suite. Our unit also houses a lounge, giving you the opportunity of meeting other mums.
Delivery Suite: This is where anyone who isn't low-risk will go to have their baby. If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, are being induced or are having a ceasarean section, you will also have your baby here. The rooms are larger with more specialist equipment ready for if it is needed. Rooms are link en-suite. There is a 5 bed 'induction suite' for those who have come to be induced; you will be transferred to a private room once the early stages of induction are complete.
Pictures and more can be found on the Liverpool Women’s website.
If you have been receiving care with One to One and unsure how to access Liverpool Women’s Maternity Services here are a few details:
- If you feel you are in labour please contact our Midwife Led Unit on 0151 702 4626
- If you are 37 weeks or more pregnant and have planned a home birth please contact our Community Team Leader Rachel Mavers on 0151 702 4434 or email rachel.mavers@lwh.nhs.uk
- If you have your screening appointment or urgent scan appointment booked with One to One please contact our Community Team Leader Rachel Mavers on 0151 702 4434 or email rachel.mavers@lwh.nhs.uk
- If you are less than 36 weeks pregnant and your pregnancy has been progressing well you can transfer your care via our online booking referral form here.
If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact our Community Team Leader Rachel Mavers on 0151 702 4434 or you can contact the central patient helpline on 0151 604 7688/9 from 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday with any queries or concerns.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family into the Liverpool Women’s Maternity Family.
