What is a freestanding Midwifery Unit?
Freestanding midwife led units provide a full range of midwifery care to women. They are not physically attached to an obstetric unit and this means there are no obstetric, neonatal or anaesthetic specialists present in the unit.
Midwife-led care for low risk women has been shown to improve a range of outcomes, reduce intervention in labour and increases satisfaction with care. The Birthplace in England study found that for women at low risk of complications, birth is as safe for babies in freestanding midwifery units as it is in obstetric units, but with the added benefits of reduced interventions for the mother.
If any complications were to arise the midwives work closely with these specialists and communicate with the team at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital and if the need arises they will arrange for a transfer to Aberdeen Maternity Hospital or at times Raigmore Maternity Unit if you are being cared for at Dr Grays in Elgin.
You can access more information on the evidence and research in the following NHS Choices Leaflets
In Grampian we have two freestanding midwifery units available: Peterhead Community Maternity Unit and Inverurie Community Maternity Unit. Please click on the below links for more information on each of these units.
