§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish the report of the departmental study team set up to consider good practice in commissioning and providing maternity services in units led by midwives and/or general practitioners; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyI am pleased to announce that the study team's report, entitled "A study of midwife-and GP-led maternity units" has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Library and distributed throughout the national health service in England.
The report sets out principles of good practice in purchasing and the effective use of resources, the roles of clinicians, safety and location of units and quality of service. Although it was based on visits to maternity units led by midwives or general practitioners, many of the principles are relevant to maternity services more generally.