A UK charity which supports frontline NHS staff to prevent childbirth injuries and deaths is set to come to Jersey to train local midwives this summer – but the cost of the course will not be disclosed.
Following queries from Express, the Health Department confirmed that the home birth training will be delivered by Baby Lifeline, a “nationally-recognised provider of maternity and neonatal safety training”.
However, the Government refused to confirm that cost of the course as it has been deemed “commercially sensitive”.
It comes after the island’s home birth service was suspended in October to carry out an internal review of protocols, staff training, and resources.
Assistant Health Minister Andy Howell – who has responsibility for women’s health matters – told the States Assembly last month that plans were in place for 40 local midwives to be trained by a UK company before the service can be reinstated.
The island’s Director of Midwifery Ros Bullen-Bell explained: “The course, ‘Childbirth Emergencies in the Community’, specifically addresses emergencies that may arise during home births and in community settings.
“The training aligns with national maternity safety standards and will help to ensure that staff are equipped with essential skills required for safe practice.”
According to Baby Lifelife, this one-day course aims to “review and update on important elements in the management of emergency skills that may be needed when women birth at home”, and typically costs £180 per person.
The training was initially due to take place in Jersey in April or May, but the Baby Lifeline website confirms that the course date is not until 3 July 2025.
The home birth service will not be reinstated until after this training has been completed, according to previous announcements.
Deputy Howell last month said: “We very much regret the temporary pause to the home birthing service.
“However, because we do not have enough trained midwives, we have been advised by the Director of Midwifery and Nursing that the service has to cease temporarily.
“We have an obligation to support her expert professional opinion. This is to ensure that our maternity service is safe for our mums.
“There will be no exceptions.”
Deputy Howell added that the outcome of Health’s internal review of the home birth service is due by the end of June “at the earliest”.
She explained: “The plan is to reintroduce the home birthing service when all the staff have been appropriately trained, any recommendations to the review have been implemented, and it is deemed safe to do so.
“In the meantime, all women have been offered to care and support for the delivery of their babies within the maternity unit at the General Hospital.”
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