While visiting one of the families benefiting from the new post-natal service, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mr Chris Fearne said that since the introduction of this new community care service in April over 3,500 visits have been made by midwives to over 1,400 mothers.

He added that this project aimed at enhancing midwives professionals’ skills and competences through training, which complemented the new services offered by the Discharge Liaison Midwives as well as the service of Discharge Liaison Nursing.

“Such midwifery services aim to bridge the gap between acute and community care and improve quality of care for postnatal mothers and their families,” said Chris Fearne.

He also reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both mother and baby. Through this new service mothers are offered a detailed assessment identifying the mother’s needs and her transition to parenthood.

Every mother receives three home visits, with the first visit carried out on the day after discharge. During each visit the midwife assesses the mother and her baby, the home environment, provides advice on feeding and supports the mother in her transition to parenthood.

Mrs Scicluna Lewis, a mother who has recently benefited from this service thanked Mr Fearne on behalf of her family and said that she found these home visits very helpful. This service shows the commitment of this Government at strengthening the services provided in the community. The project is partly financed through the European Social Fund.

Chris Fearne extended his invite to all mothers and the general public to participate in the upcoming Breastfeeding Policy consultation session which will be held on Friday, the 29th of August at the Hotel Phoenicia at 9:30.

All those interested in attending can get in touch with the Health Promotion Unit on 23266000.

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