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In 2005 Saint Mary’s Hospital set up a midwifery service for asylum seekers and refugees.
It is one of the few services in the UK solely dedicated to providing maternity care for this client group. In 2007 the service received national recognition winning the All Party Parliamentary Report for Maternity Services in the category for vulnerable women.
What does the service provide?
The aim of the service is to improve access to maternity care by developing an integrated service that meets the immediate health needs of asylum seekers, supports transitions following decisions about refugee status and ensures that health services are used appropriately.
The Refugee Midwife provides routine antenatal care, social support and signposts clients to cultural networks in the community.
The service also runs a drop in service, Monday – Thursday, 12.30-1.30 pm in the antenatal clinic at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Oxford Road Campus.
How can women access the clinic?
Charity groups/health professionals may refer by contacting the Specialist Midwife for Refugees, Sandra Cahill (above right), on (0161) 701 0439 or e-mail sandra.cahill@mft.nhs.uk.