Meeting of the Parliament 08 May 2019
The key statistic that the minister needs to understand is the 114 midwives that we are short of and the pressure that that is putting on staff across our country.
In its attempt to rewrite history in its amendment, the Government does not recognise that the NHS workforce challenges that are being faced are its responsibility. Given our ageing midwifery workforce and the fact that a large proportion of Scotland’s current midwives are now over 50, extra midwifery student places should have been provided. Instead, the damaging cuts to training places that were made by Nicola Sturgeon have only exacerbated the current staffing crisis.
As an MSP for Edinburgh and Lothian, I agree with Monica Lennon that the open letter that midwives from across NHS Lothian have written is deeply concerning, and it should concern ministers as well. The letter refers to the shortage of key equipment, which should be urgently addressed by NHS Lothian. I hope that the minister will take forward those concerns, too.
The best start recommendations were widely welcomed by stakeholders and experts. The Scottish Conservatives back the focus on a patient and family-centred approach, and we agree that there needs to be continuity of care for mothers throughout and beyond pregnancy. It is up to Scottish National Party ministers to ensure that all required funding is delivered to implement the best start recommendations.
With regard to support for new mothers in my Lothian region, I have recently highlighted cuts to walk-in specialist breastfeeding services. Those cuts took place in 2017 and, since then, I have regularly been contacted by new mothers who do not know where to turn when they have problems breastfeeding. I welcome the recruitment of more health visitors by NHS Lothian. However, when a new mother is having trouble breastfeeding, they benefit from support straight away, which is why I propose the introduction of a dedicated telephone line for new mothers who are having issues with breastfeeding. That would allow new mothers to get instant support when such difficulties arise.
I again welcome this debate on maternity services and midwives. I am pleased to support Monica Lennon’s motion.
I move amendment S5M-17191.1, to insert after “work-related stress”:
“and applauds the work undertaken by the Royal College of Midwives to help midwives deal with these issues, address bullying in the workplace and encourage a more supportive workplace culture”.
16:41Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.