Our Current Status
It is business as usual for independent midwifery in the foreseeable future.
That is the key message to clients and prospective clients. In order to keep members of the public informed as to our current political situation we would like to tell you the following;
The organisation:
From August 2008 the former Independent Midwives association became a social enterprise a registered organisation renamed Independent Midwives UK
Funding search:
In March 2009 independent Midwives UK was awarded a small grant from the Department of Health Social Enterprise fund. This money has been used towards the structural costs of setting up the organisation. More funding is required so a further application has been submitted and we await its outcome.
Alongside this Independent Midwives UK has developed its own fundraising scheme - ‘Crowdfunding for Childbirth’.
Media::
The organisation continues to pursue all avenues and opportunities for positive publicity about our organisation and the amazing work of its individual members, and the ongoing political situation.
Professional Indemnity Insurance,(PII):
In June of this year, the Government ordered a review of the policy for mandatory PII after Unison, RCN and RCM made clear their concerns about proportionality and the potential effect on all their members of the requirement, as a condition of registration, to have PII. This review will report in June 2010
In the meanwhile Independent Midwives UK continues to explore every avenue with regards to securing PII on the commercial market for its members.
Pilot Developments and PCT contracts:
Independent Midwives UK is working closely with some Primary Care Trusts with a view to implementing pilot projects offering independent midwifery care to NHS women. Our postcard campaign continues so please sign you name if you want the type of care independent midwives offer to be available on the NHS