Country news: Wales
By Helen Rogers on 05 March 2019 Midwives Magazine Wales RCM Wales
Country news: Wales, from RCM director, Helen Rogers
Maternity Vision: In December, the Welsh government hosted the first Maternity Vision Engagement event in Cardiff to discuss and develop the Maternity Vision for Wales. The event was opened by chief nursing officer Professor Jean White and was chaired by Cardiff and Vale HoM Suzanne Hardacre. Karen Jewell, nursing officer for maternity and early years, presented the aims and the themes for the Vision.
Hywel Dda University Health Board hosted the first two regional events which took place on 14 and 16 January, with positive engagement around the themes of a healthier Wales, choices for women and clinical leadership.
Powys also hosted their regional event on 16 January at Builth Wells. This included a key note speech from Karen Jewell who provided an overview of the journey so far to develop the strategy.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to engage with the Vision yet, please keep your eyes open for more regional events taking place across Wales. The Welsh government plans to launch the new Maternity Vision for Wales in late spring 2019.
Leadership Development Group: The presentation day for the 2018-19 Maternity Leadership Development Group delegates was held on 4 December. The group spoke of their journeys so far, highlighting the challenges they have faced and overcome and what they have learnt through developing as leaders through their individual projects.
Menopause Study Day 2019: Some of you may have started to see the new all-Wales menopause policy being adopted by your health boards, and with this in mind the RCM Wales team plan another menopause workshop later in the year. Please keep an eye out for dates and book early as it gets full very quickly.
WULF bid success: RCM Wales has won its bid for the 2019-22 round of the Wales Union Learning Fund and will deliver new learning opportunities including:
- ‘Digital midwifery’ courses
- Accredited learning in mental health awareness, communication and teamwork
- Branch workplace seminars
- Study days for midwives and MSWs.