Isle of Man Government – Maternity Support Officer now part of Jane Crookall Maternity Team

As of April 2024, two Maternity Support Workers (MSWs) have joined the Maternity Unit at the Isle of Man Care Centre. These two MSWs – the first of their kind on the island – will undertake a range of delegated clinical duties and complement the care provided by midwives.

MSWs are an integral part of the maternity team and play an important role in supporting midwives and the wider maternity team, mothers and their babies during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. They work under the direct supervision of a registered midwife and provide care to women and their families in accordance with established guidelines and protocols.

The role of the MSW bridges the gap between midwives and maternity care assistants (MCAs), by having the MSW take on some of the more basic nursing roles, it allows midwives to focus on tasks that only they can undertake.

Maternity support worker Laura Riding commented:

“I have been working at Jane Crookall Maternity Unit for the past 18 months and every shift I see the wonderful care our midwives provide to expectant and new mothers. This has inspired me to want to provide a more hands-on, patient-centred service than I could offer as a midwife.

“As a mum of two, I know how important it is to feel cared for and heard at such a vulnerable time. I feel that as an MSW I will be able to support midwives in providing the best possible care to women, whether that’s taking their blood pressure, making them a cup of tea, holding their hand during a contraction, teaching them how to change their first nappy, or simply listening to their concerns. It’s a privilege to be part of a woman’s journey in this way and I’m proud to be one of the first MSWs on the Isle of Man.”

Maternity support worker Jade Hardinge added:

“I love meeting these families, supporting them and being a part of their journey, whether it’s their first baby or their fifth – every pregnancy, labor and birth is as unique and special as the women and families I care for. My role allows me to feel part of the team, I learn and develop clinical skills and have life-changing experiences every day.”