HEALTH care assistants in the obstetrics unit at Hereford County Hospital are the trail blazers in a new training development.

They are the first in the country to become involved in a project that provides extra training to improve their status.

As a result they are now qualified to work under supervision in obstetric operating theatres to assist both midwives and obstetricians and can become involved in high-risk cases.

The project has been developed in Hereford as an internal training programme and is extra to that to achieve NVQ up to level three.

Jane Haley, head of midwifery, said the obstetric unit at the County Hospital was small and they had to be creative in developing the roles and grades of staff working there.

Hereford Hospitals Trust has recognised the commitment of healthcare assistants who took part and presented them with special certificates to celebrate their achievements.

Nursery nurses at the hospital have also been doing extra training, this time in the special care baby unit. They too have been presented with special certificates in recognition of their commitment.