The statement was produced with the RCGP and RCOG and sets out a minimum of seven criteria that they should achieve to demonstrate competence in this area, including:
• Pre-conception care, especially for those with complex care needs
• Health promotion in early pregnancy, including managing conditions such as bleeding
• Recognising and signposting emergency conditions directly to hospital
• Follow-up care for medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
• Provision of postnatal and contraception advice.
Cathy Warwick, RCM general secretary, said: ‘High-quality, safe maternity services are dependent on all of the health professionals involved working together as a team and communicating well.
‘I am delighted that the RCGP, RCOG and the RCM have come together to produce this important statement, which promotes collaborative working.’
Professor Amanda Howe, RCGP honorary secretary, said many GPs would welcome an enhanced role in maternity care and there is a ‘strong bond’ between a woman and her family doctor.
‘We are reassured that our colleagues at the RCM and RCOG stand with us and share this view, as demonstrated by the publication of our joint statement,’ she said.
‘With the King’s Fund discussion paper in 2010, we have support for GPs to have a role in maternity care, before, during and after pregnancy.’
Dr Tony Falconer, RCOG president, acknowledged the important role of the GP as the first point of contact for some women.
‘With their knowledge of a woman’s medical history, they are in a good position to advise on care, as described in the statement,’ he said.
‘We believe good care can be provided through better joint working between healthcare professionals and this approach dovetails the recommendations laid out in our High Quality Women’s Health Care report.’
The statement can be read in full on the
RCGP website and the High Quality Women’s Health Care report can be found on the
RCOG website.
