Edinburgh Napier University hosted the final Supervisor of Midwives Conference on 21 March 2017.

Despite the weather, 130 Supervisor of Midwives (SOM) attended the conference from all areas of Scotland. This event was a celebration of Statutory Supervision which was officially removed from midwifery regulation on 31 March 2017.

Supervisors of Midwives had a pivotal role in the care of women and their families, public protection. They had a wide ranging role which included challenging poor practice and ensuring that women and their families received safe care, clinical governance, leadership and support for midwives.

Yvonne Bronsky, Local Supervising Area Midwifery Office (LSAMO), opened the conference and showcased areas of quality and improvement and best practice led by SOM from NHS Boards across Scotland.

Ann Holmes, Chief Midwifery Officer & Associate Chief Nursing Officer to Scottish Government, addressed the conference thanking all SOM’s for their dedication and hard work. Moving forward she introduced the ‘Best Start’ five year forward plan of Maternity and Neonatal Services in Scotland and the opportunity to develop a new model of supervision which would continue to support women and their families and midwives.

It is with sadness that this important unique role will no longer be an influencing part of the midwifery profession.