Date: July 2010
WHO CC involvement: Professor Caroline Homer and A/Professor Andrew Bisits
A review of Terms of Reference focused on issues to do with the competency level of medical and midwifery staff providing obstetric and midwifery care, the skill-mix and/or staffing arrangements for delivering maternal health care; the protocols, procedures and standards for delivering maternity care; and the facilities, equipment and supplies available for obstetric and midwifery care. In addition, a review of the maternal deaths that have occurred in the first six months of 2010 was undertaken.
A review report and recommendations were provided. Processes to improve the current maternal death review process and a system to identify and monitor severe maternal morbidity were identified. Strategies to improve clinical care and the workforce shortages were highlighted to the Ministry of Health and project team to inform policy decisions within Samoa.