The Midwives rules and standards
(NMC 2004) sets standards for the Local Supervising Authority
regarding the supervision of midwives to ensure that mothers and
babies receive a consistent quality of midwifery care and to give a
clear explanation of what is involved in supervision.
‘Effective supervision enables the development of midwifery
leadership which creates a practice environment where midwives
assume their professional accountability for high quality,
evidence-based midwifery care.’ (ENB, 1999, Advice and Guidance for
Local Supervising Authorities and Supervisors of Midwives).
The outcome of this process is the protection of mothers and
babies.
Supervisors of midwives therefore
will strive to ensure that midwives have a positive relationship
with their supervisor that: facilitates safe and autonomous
practice and promotes accountability; is based on open and honest
dialogue; promotes trust and an assurance of confidentiality;
enables midwives to meet with their supervisor of midwives at least
once a year to help them evaluate their practice and identify areas
of development; and enables the supervisor to act as the midwife’s
advocate when required.
The Standards for Supervision
incorporate the following broad principles:
Rule 12 – The supervision of
midwives (NMC 2004)
- Supervisors of Midwives are
available to offer guidance and support to women accessing a
maternity service that is evidence based in the provision of women
centred care.
- Supervisors of Midwives are
directly accountable to the Local Supervising Authority for all
matters relating to the statutory supervision of midwives and a
local framework exists to support the statutory function.
- Supervisors of Midwives provide
professional leadership and nurture potential leaders.
- Supervisors of Midwives are
approachable and accessible to midwives to support them in their
practice.
- Supervisors of Midwives support
midwives in providing a safe environment for the practice of
evidence based midwifery
Adopted with the permission of
the South of England LSAMO
