Lack of standardisation of MSWs ‘could put women at risk’

A report published this week by King’s College London investigating the role of maternity support workers (MSWs) has found that these employees make a vital contribution to care in England, but warned that a lack of standardisation in training for this staff could put babies and women at risk of receiving lower standards of care.

This independent study – commissioned by the Department of Health – found that some NHS trusts have been converting midwife positions to those for support workers, with staff consequently having responsibility for care requiring specialist training they have not received.

Professor Jane Sandall, leader of the research, said: “There is a danger that support workers could cease to become another pair of hands, freeing the midwife and other members of the maternity team from administrative and routine duties in order to look after women.”

She expressed concern that with insufficient investment in training for MSWs, there may exist a risk to public safety which requires cautious management at a local level to be controlled.

In response to this research, the Royal College of Midwives reiterated its call for clarity in the guidance regarding the role of support workers and implementation of standard training for these staff.