Referrals for Infant Feeding Team now via 'mechanism' rather than ward visits

FoI reveals the change was implemented in December 2024

The process of how new mothers are referred for support from Manx Care's Infant Feeding Team has changed.

A 'referral mechanism' is now in place which replaces visits to the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit by IFT staff.

This change was implemented in December 2024.

Previously IFT staff went to the unit every day to make referrals for infant feeding support. 

However, Manx Care says this was deemed 'time consuming' and, as a result, reduced the time the team had for face-to-face supportive visits.

The IFT has 'primarily delivered its service in the community setting' since 2020.

The health body says staff "visit mothers and their babies in their own home to help promote and sustain breast feeding, [make] routine telephone contact with every mother to assess what support may be required, [run] infant feeding clinics and the Breastfeeding Buddies group".

They also work alongside colleagues in the Health Visiting Team 'to ensure continuity of care to mothers and their babies' and 'advise and support their health visiting colleagues with breast feeding and deliver breast feeding training throughout the care group'. 

Manx Care says this "model of service delivery has not changed".

However, the healthcare provider has confirmed changes in the way referrals are made.

In a response to a Freedom of Information request, submitted by Manx Radio, it adds the new referral mechanism allows the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit, Neo Natal Unit and Children’s Ward to make referrals for infant feeding support which are then 'reviewed on a daily basis and actioned accordingly'.

The rationale for this is that the team 'can receive referrals in a more efficient effective way'.

It follows speculation published on social media earlier this year (29 January) that the IFT was being 'discontinued'.

On 3 February Manx Care said there was 'no change to the support being provided by the IFT' but rather the 'location of the team has changed'.

Manx Care offered assurance that the move would 'not impact the delivery of support to families'.

The FoI has also revealed there are no full-time equivalent members of staff within the IFT.

This year there are five part-time equivalent staff members (up from four in 2024).