This will be only the third appointment made into this role in ambulance trusts across the country, and is part of a national agenda to bring additional maternity expertise into ambulance services.

Dr Stephanie Heys will take up the role with us at the beginning of May and will work with the different maternity systems in the North West, enhancing the care pathways to maternity units for women going into labour as well as identifying training opportunities for our staff.

Dr Heys has a long career in midwifery and is a senior lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire in Midwifery Care. She also still works as a midwife within East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. Speaking about her appointment she said: “I feel very honoured to be joining NWAS as a consultant midwife. Working closely with other healthcare colleagues and maternity units across the North West, I am looking forward to supporting the delivery of high quality and personal care to mothers and babies across the region.” 

Dr Chris Grant, NWAS Medical Director said: “This is an important role for NWAS and I’m delighted we’ve been able to appoint someone as experienced as Stephanie into the position.

“In the last year, we handled approximately 7000 maternity related calls. Our staff already do a brilliant job when it comes to supporting parents and looking after babies but we know that having to call 999 when you’re expecting a baby can be a daunting experience.

“The consultant midwife role will allow us to look closely at how our staff are trained and how we respond to maternity-related incidents, ultimately improving care for mothers and babies in the region.”