Role boundaries will change and new ways of working be introduced

A wide range of political, social and economic factors will lead to a reconsideration of the parameters of roles providing maternity care. Pathway rather than profession-based workforce planning will facilitate considerations of optimum skills mix to deliver safe and effective care. Further research is required on the impact of staffing levels on outcomes, however. There will be a greater use of MSWs (see above). Midwives may need to acquire a range of tasks, for example from nursing and radiography, and higher-level skills from paediatricians.

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.