A new midwife campaign has started across Bradford to reduce infant mortality and make sure mums-to-be are getting the best care.

The Bradford district has the unenviable record of suffering one of the highest infant death rates in the country.

NHS Bradford and Airedale, with Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, has started the campaign to let mums-to-be know about their choices and to get their pregnancy care started sooner.

The aim is to increase the number of women who book with a midwife sooner.

Direct contact with midwives can result in earlier access to health information and screening that can help the health and well-being of mother and baby. This can reduce mortality by making sure they get the healthcare they need.

Julie Walker, head of midwifery at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We want women to know that they have a choice and can go direct to their local midwife, and that this doesn’t need to be done via their GP.

“Women still have a choice, as some may wish to see their GP before referral, but the most important thing is that the earlier they do this the better.”

Kathryn Walsh, head of midwifery at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Midwives are specially trained to provide care during pregnancy, birth and after the baby is born. Bradford and Airedale midwives want to hear from all women as soon as they know they are pregnant so we can start to care for you and your baby.”

To help women get in touch with midwive, phone numbers and e-mail addresses have been set up for each maternity hospital.

  • Bradford midwives can be contacted on (01274) 364502 or e-mail needamidwife @bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk. Airedale midwives can be contacted on (01535) 292120.