A new role has been created to help champion women’s choices as they experience maternity care in hospitals in South Cumbria.
Chantelle Winstanley has been appointed as a consultant midwife at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
Heather Gallagher, director of midwifery, said: “This post will be instrumental in supporting the improvement journey of maternity services.”
The trust said Chantelle would put mothers and families at the centre of care and would provide midwives and expectant parents leadership to offer the best practice, options and care.
Chantelle said: “As a local resident and recent maternity service-user at the trust, it will be privilege to work collaboratively with the maternity team.”
Chantelle has been a midwife since 2000, in the NHS, as an independent practitioner and midwifery educator.
The trust said: “Chantelle has a passion and skill for championing women’s choices, voices and rights, enabling them to plan for a safe, optimal birthing experience. Chantelle believes optimal birth belongs to the woman and family, not to a maternity system.”
Chantelle is due to join the trust next month.
