§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether midwives employed by health authorities and trusts will continue to benefit from their employer's liability insurance cover.
§ Dr. MawhinneyNational health service bodies are not required to take out insurance cover for possible negligence by the health care professionals that they employ, but both health authorities and NHS trusts are responsible for the negligent acts and omissions of their midwife employees acting in the course of their employment. Insurance is desirable for any work done outside the NHS contract of employment, such as Good Samaritan acts in emergencies and providing midwifery services to friends and relatives.
§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what response she has made to the decision by insurance companies to regard self-employed midwives as a high financial risk; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyMy noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Baroness Cumberlege, has had discussions with the Royal College of Midwives about this matter; they arrange for their self-employed members to be provided with professional indemnity insurance and are actively seeking to resolve the concerns raised.
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