Support
Support for staff:
Professional Midwifery Advocates (PMAs) are experienced midwives who have undergone additional training to support and guide fellow midwives, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of care provided to women and families. The PMA role was introduced in England in 2017 with the implementation of the Advocating for Education and Quality ImProvement (A-EQUIP) model of supervision.
The key aspects of the PMA role:
- Focus on wellbeing: PMAs prioritise the wellbeing of midwives by offering support during stressful situations and promoting resilience. They are trained in restorative clinical supervision, a process that provides midwives with a safe space to reflect on their experiences and develop solutions, individually or in groups. This approach aims to reduce stress and burnout, increase job satisfaction, and improve staff retention.
- Quality improvement: PMAs act as role models, promoting safe and effective evidence-based care. They support midwives in identifying how their actions can improve the quality of care for women and families. The A-EQUIP model, which PMAs utilise, is a continuous improvement process, and quality improvement is seen as an intrinsic part of every midwife’s role.
- Leadership and advocacy: PMAs provide visible leadership within the maternity workplace. They empower midwives with the skills and knowledge to confidently advocate for women, respecting their choices even when they differ from professional opinions. They may also play a role in supporting women directly and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
- Education and development: The PMA role also involves fostering education and development within the midwifery team, supporting continuous professional growth.
The A-EQUIP model encompasses four key functions:
- Formative: Focusing on education and development.
- Restorative: Emphasising clinical supervision and supporting emotional wellbeing.
- Normative: Concentrating on monitoring, evaluation and quality control.
- Personal Action for Quality Improvement: Encouraging individual contributions to improving care quality.
The PMA role is crucial for enhancing the quality of midwifery care and creating a positive and supportive environment for midwives and the women they care for, ultimately contributing to a positive and effective maternity service.
Across Lancashire and South Cumbria we have PMA services in all of the acute maternity providers. Links to local information can be found at
Blackpool Teaching Hospital
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals | Homepage
East Lancashire Hospitals
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals | Homepage
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals:
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay: