Its Business As Usual For The Forseeable Future
It is ‘business as usual’ for independent midwifery in the foreseeable future.
That is our 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:
In August 2008 the former Independent Midwives Association became a social enterprise a registered organisation renamed Independent Midwives UK.
Funding search:
In March this year 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 and a further application has just been submitted and we await its outcome.
Alongside this Independent Midwives UK has developed its own fundraising scheme - ‘Crowdfunding for Childbirth’, (LINK).
Media:
The organisation continues to pursue all avenues and opportunities for positive publicity about our organisation, the amazing work of its individual members and the ongoing political situation.
Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII):
In June of 2009, the Government ordered a review of the policy for mandatory PII after multiple trade union involvement. This review will report in June 2010 and, 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.
If you are a midwife – practising or non practising - or a student midwife or just thinking about joining our profession and would like to register your interest in independent practice you can do so here.
Our postcard campaign continues so please sign you name if you want the type of care independent midwives offer to be available under the NHS.