Consultant midwives in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man: what has changed? A two-year follow-up of the Consultant Midwife Mapping Project

Effective and dynamic leadership across all levels of health care is essential for the modern NHS to deliver safe and efficient services (The Kings Fund 2011). Consultant midwives are internationally recognised clinical leaders contributing to improvement in quality of care across maternity services (Royal College of Midwives (RCM) 2008, New South Wales Government 2017). Despite this recognition at national level across the United Kingdom (UK) for 20 years, intelligence examining role development at government level has not occurred. Evaluation of the role has been through informal or academic channels (RCM 2009, Robinson 2012). Consultant midwives are in a unique position as clinical leaders, blending strategic planning and development with education, research and expert practice (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) et al 2007, RCM 2009). These four domains aim to enhance care pathways for women and families, improving quality of care and safety outcomes (Department of Health (DH) 1999, Scottish Executive Health Department 2001)