The Minister for Health and Social Care has defended the decision to replace in-person parent craft sessions with pre-recorded videos despite a clear demand from expecting parents.
The move, announced in September 2024, has faced criticism for leaving expectant parents without interactive support for six months.
In Keys Claire Christian acknowledged that while no feedback explicitly requested online sessions, participants found face-to-face sessions “very lengthy” and preferred video formats for flexibility.
“The feedback was a major contributing factor,” she said, adding that the videos, currently being edited, will be available this month.
However, Joney Faragher challenged the term “online sessions,” clarifying they are non-interactive videos.
She said there was “no opportunity to ask questions” and raised concerns about digital access and the loss of in-person guidance.
The Minister responded that “maternity services will still support individuals,” but admitted the transition was not ideal.
Costs
Midwife consultation and cost savings were also questioned during question time with the Minister stating she “would absolutely believe” midwives were consulted but lacked their responses.
She denied cost-saving motives, though reinvestment plans remain unclear.
Criticism intensified as Manx Labour Party leader Ms Faragher revealed a retired midwife’s voluntary classes were highlighting unmet needs.
A retired midwife has voluntarily set up her own classes, only to be inundated with demand, which I think clearly demonstrates the ongoing need for in-person support
Joney Faragher
The minister confirmed that she thought that “it is regrettable” that the sessions ended before replacements were ready.
She said: “Staffing challenges were preventing maternity from being able to staff these sessions consistently. This is the reason why the sessions have not been able to be continued whilst those videos were in development.”
Kate Lord-Brennan also urged reconsideration saying that there is a difference for mothers between “watching something online and actually visiting the place where someone’s going to have a have a baby”.
Ms Christian pledged to investigate the delay and report back but maintained that the non-interactive videos would “ultimately benefit all expectant parents.”
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