Walsall mums-to-be will be supported by a designated team of midwives, with a named midwife who they will see for the majority of their care, thanks to the launch of a new team.

The Wyndlow team, named after nursing heroine Dorothy “Sister Dora” Pattison, will deliver Continuity of Carer for low risk women and has been developed by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Better Birth Clinical Lead  Lucy Johnson,  MLU former Matron Kate Horton and MLU Manager Carol King-Stephens.

Continuity of Carer, which was rolled out across the country as part of Better Births, means that midwives are able to develop relationships with women and their families throughout their pregnancy, birth and beyond. This relationship building has been shown to reduce complications such as pre-term birth as well as reducing the need for an epidural or episiotomy in labour.

Hannah Platten, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Better Births Midwife, said: “We’re really proud to be able to announce that our Wyndlow team will be supporting women as our Midwifery-Led Unit re-opens for births.

“We are committed to providing a high standard of care for women and their families and the Continuity of Carer approach in our maternity services is an important element of this. Our community midwives will discuss with women whether they are suitable to be referred to the Wyndlow team as this is a low risk, midwife-led care pathway. Continuity of Carer also benefits women in those all-important first weeks following the birth of their baby.”

The Wyndlow team comprises of maternity support workers, clerical support, midwives and a link to a Consultant when required; all working together to ensure women have the best care possible.