Midwifery Practice

 

Standard 5. Supervisors of Midwives support midwives in providing a safe environment for the practice of evidence based midwifery.

 

Criteria

 

  Yes                                   

 

No

 

Supporting Evidence

Comments/Recommendations

5.1 Supervisors of Midwives are involved in formulating policies, setting standards and monitoring practice and equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

5.2 Supervisors of Midwives participate in developing policies and evidence based guidelines for clinical practice.

 

 

 

 

 

5.3 Supervisors of Midwives ensure that midwives are made aware of new guidelines and policies and that all midwives have access to documentation in electronic or hard copy.

 

 

 

 

 

5.4 Supervisors of Midwives participate in reflective activities that inform and support midwives in practice.

 

 

 

 

 

5.5 Supervisors participate in audit of the administration and destruction of controlled drugs.

 

 

 

 

 

5.6 Supervisors of Midwives make their concerns known to their employer in the maternity service when inadequate resources may compromise public safety.

 

 

 

 

 

5.7 When allegations are made of suspected sub-optimal care an investigation is undertaken by a Supervisor of Midwives and the midwife is offered the support of another Supervisor of Midwives.

 

 

 

 

 

5.8 Pro-active approaches are used to support midwives when deficiencies in practice have been identified.

 

 

 

 

 

5.9 The recommendation for a midwife to undertake a period of supervised practice is discussed with the LSAMO who is also informed when such a programme is completed.

 

 

 

 

 

5.10 Allegations of serious professional misconduct are reported to the LSAMO together with a full written report and recommendations. These records must be retained for 25 years.

 

 

 

 

 

5.11 Supervisors of Midwives notify managers of investigations being undertaken and of action plans agreed.

 

 

 

 

 

5.12 Clinical Governance strategies acknowledge statutory supervision of midwives.

 

 

 

 

 

5.13 The LSAMO is informed of any serious incident relating to maternity care or midwifery practice.

 

 

 

 

 

5.14 Audit of record keeping of each midwife takes place annually and outcome feedback is provided.

 

 

 

 

 

5.15 Supervisors support midwives participating in clinical trials ensuring that the Midwives rules & standards and the Code of professional conduct are adhered to.