More than a midwife? Supervision of extended roles

This model of care completes the holistic family-centred approach to care of a woman and her baby. Powys women benefit from a known carer not only through the pregnancy experience, but also they have their known midwife as the key professional to undertake the hearing assessment and newborn examination of their baby. The newborn examination and hearing screening is incorporated into the community postnatal care package and reduces the fragmented approach of a variety of professionals. Performing these procedures within the woman's home creates an opportunity for communication that encourages and promotes the public health arena (Davies, 2000). Public health is a natural area for midwives who are educated to recognize clinical deviations, but their perspective is also long term and preventative (Kaufmann, 2002). Statutory supervision has worked in partnership with midwives in an open and transparent approach. Support and guidance is provided to undertake these extending responsibilities, while also meeting the key purpose of midwifery supervision, which is to encourage safe and competent midwifery (Health Professions Wales, 2005).