The role and name Supervisor of Midwives (SOMs) ceased to function on 31st March 2017.

A new model called A-EQUIP (Advocating for Education and Quality Improvements) has introduced Professional Midwifery Advocates (PMAs) to replace the role of the SOMs.

We would like to reassure all women and their families booked to have their care at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust the Professional Midwifery Advocates will continue to support you.

Professional Midwifery Advocates (PMAs) protect the public through the support of safe midwifery practice.  We aim to ensure that women and families receive guidance and information about the right type of care, in the right place.

We are experienced, practicing Midwives who have undertaken additional training and are accountable to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Professional Midwifery Advocates monitor the practice of Midwives to ensure that women and babies receive good quality, safe care.  Midwives should support women throughout their maternity care; if you have any concerns about your care, you and/or your midwife may contact a Professional Midwifery Advocate.

Professional Midwifery Advocates are there as support for women and their families as well as to give sound professional advice.  Women are able to talk to a Professional Midwifery Advocate in confidence with any issues relating to practitioner care provision.  When Midwives and or women are faced with a situation where they feel they need further support and advice, the Professional Midwife Advocate can act as a resource and assist in discussions with women.

Our team at Warrington includes Midwives working in a wide range of practice areas providing a range of skills and expertise.