§ 50. Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the future provision of support by midwives for home confinements.
§ Mr. Moyle:In"The Way Forward"health authorities were advised to
ensure that there is an adequate midwifery service working in the community as well as in hospitals to provide high standards of maternity care, especially for mothers who are discharged early from hospital ".If a woman chooses to be delivered at home, despite the advice against it, health authorities should ensure that the services necessary to make home confinements as safe as possible are provided, including the attendance of a midwife. I recognise, however, that some areas are experiencing difficulties in maintaining the necessary support and my Department is at present consulting professional bodies most closely concerned to see how these might be overcome.