The Nursing and Midwifery Council (Education, Registration and Registration Appeals) Rules Order of Council 2004

Rules 3(1) and 3(2)

SCHEDULE 2 U.K. Extract from the second Midwifery Directive

Articles 1 and 3 U.K.

[The numbering given to some of the provisions reproduced below has been changed for ease of reference]

1.  [Formal qualification in midwifery is subject to the person concerned acquiring during the total duration of her training:] U.K.

(a) adequate knowledge of the sciences on which the activities of midwives are based, particularly obstetrics and gynaecology;

(b) adequate knowledge of the ethics of the profession and the professional legislation;

(c) detailed knowledge of biological functions, anatomy, and physiology in the field of obstetrics and of the newly born, and also a knowledge of the relationship between the state of health and the physical and social environment of the human being, and of her behaviour;

(d) adequate clinical experience gained in approved institutions under the supervision of staff qualified in midwifery and obstetrics;

(e) adequate understanding of the training of health personnel and experience of working with such personnel.

2.  The training referred to in paragraph 1 shall comprise: U.K.

(a) either a full-time course in midwifery comprising at least three years of practical and theoretical studies, admission to which is subject to completion of at least the first 110 years of general school education,

(b) or a full-time course in midwifery lasting at least 18 months, admission to which is subject to possession of a diploma, certificate or other evidence of formal qualifications of nurses responsible for general care.

3.  The course in midwifery provided for in paragraph 2(a) shall cover at least the subjects of the training programme listed below. U.K.

The course provided for in paragraph 2(b) shall cover at least the subjects of the training programme set out below which did not form part of an equivalent course in the training of nurses.

4.  Member States shall ensure that the institution training midwives is responsible for the coordination of theory and practice throughout the programme. U.K.

The theoretical and technical training shall be balanced and co-ordinated with the clinical training of midwives in such a way that their knowledge and experience listed in paragraph 1 may be acquired in an adequate manner.

Clinical instruction shall take the form of supervised in-service training in hospital departments or other health services approved by the competent authorities or bodies. As part of this training, student midwives shall participate in the activities of the departments concerned in so far as those activities contribute to their training. They shall be taught the responsibilities involved in the activities of midwives.

Member States may permit part-time training under conditions approved by the competent national authorities.

The total period of part-time training may not be less than that of full-time training. The standard of the training may not be impaired by its part-time nature.

Training Programme for Midwives U.K.

The training programme for obtaining a diploma, certificate or other evidence of formal qualifications in midwifery consists of the following two parts:

A  Theoretical and Technical Instruction U.K.

 

(a) General subjects:

1. Basic anatomy and physiology;

2. Basic Pathology;

3. Basic bacteriology, virology and parasitology;

4. Basic biophysics, biochemistry and radiology;

5. Paediatrics, with particular reference to new-born infants;

6. Hygiene, health education, preventive medicine, early diagnosis of diseases;

7. Nutrition and dietetics, with particular reference to women, new-born and young babies;

8. Basic sociology and socio-medical questions;

9. Basic pharmacology;

10. Psychology;

11. Principles and methods of teaching;

12. Health and social legislation and health organisation;

13. Professional ethics and professional legislation;

14. Sex education and family planning;

15. Legal protection of mother and infant.

(b) Subjects specific to the activities of midwives:

1. Anatomy and physiology;

2. Embryology and development of the fetus;

3. Pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium;

4. Gynaecological and obstetrical pathology;

5. Preparation for childbirth and parenthood, including psychological aspects;

6. Preparation for delivery (including knowledge and use of technical equipment in obstetrics);

7. Analgesia, anaesthesia and resuscitation;

8. Physiology and pathology of the new-born infant;

9. Care and supervision of the new-born infant;

10. Psychological and social factors.

B Practical and Clinical Training U.K.

• This training is to be dispensed under appropriate supervision:

  (1)

  Advising of pregnant women, involving at least 100 pre-natal examinations;

  (2)

  Supervision and care of at least 40 women in labour;

  (3)

  The student should personally carry out at least 40 deliveries; where this number cannot be reached owing to the lack of available women in labour, it may be reduced to a minimum of 30, provided that the student participates actively in 20 further deliveries;

  (4)

  Active participation with breech deliveries. Where this is not possible because of lack of breech deliveries, practice may be in a simulated situation;

  (5)

  Performance of episiotomy and initiation into suturing. Initiation shall include theoretical instruction and clinical practice. The practice of suturing includes suturing of the wound following an episiotomy and a simple perineal laceration. This may be in a simulated situation if absolutely necessary;

  (6)

  Supervision and care of 40 women at risk in pregnancy or labour or post-natal period;

  (7)

  Supervision and care (including examination) of at least 100 post-natal women and healthy new-born infants;

  (8)

  Observation and care of the new-born requiring special care including those born pre-term, post-term, underweight or ill;

  (9)

  Care of women with pathological conditions in the fields of gynaecology and obstetrics;

  (10)

  Initiation into care in the field of medicine and surgery. Initiation shall include theoretical instruction and clinical practice.