Independent Midwives Association (IMA)

Overview:

Profession(s): Midwifery
Scope: National - United Kingdom
Formed: 1985
Members: 84
Address: 1 The Great Quarry, Guildford, GU1 3XN, UK
Phone: 01483 538615
Website: www.independentmidwives.org.uk

Description:

Independent Midwives are fully qualified midwives who, in order to practice the midwife's role to its fullest extent, have chosen to work outside the NHS in a self employed capacity, although we support its aims and ideals. The midwife's role encompasses the care of women during pregnancy, birth and afterwards.

The Association exists for the dissemination of information about, and support for, independent midwives, and to lobby for the traditional role of the midwife. All members are happy to be contacted for more information on their individual practices or midwifery generally. They are willing to answer women's personal inquiries.

Mission/Aims:

Our service offers continuity of care, and empowers women to make informed choices and decisions at every stage.

Principal Activities:

Providing a central source for enquires, data, information, reports etc;
Holding regular meetings for members;
Running workshops for midwives interested in setting up in independent practice;
Giving talks about independent practice to interested parties.

Member Benefits:

Networking and support

Training/Licensing/Certification:

Study day for setting up as an Independent Midwife.

Affiliations:

Associations to which we are a member:
Royal College of midwives

Partner Associations:
NHS Midwives
Association of Radical Midwives

Verification Criteria:

Nursing and Midwifery Council PIN number. Evidence of qualification can be checked on the NMC website. Also they public can contact the Supervisor of Midwives for the local area, each midwife has to send in an Intention to Practice form for every area they practice in.

Additional Information:

Our members liaise with other healthcare practitioners if and when necessary. We can arrange all screenings and diagnostic tests such as scans and blood tests either through the NHS or privately. Should the desired place of birth or type of care need to change at any time, we can assist our clients in achieving this as smoothly and gently as possible. We can accompany our clients into all hospitals, our roles depending on local arrangements and our clients needs.