Bradford NHS Trust advertised midwife role to support closely related parents

Bradford Teaching Hospitals advertised a 'Close Relative Marriage Nurse/Midwife' role to support families who are closely related, and the post — described as part of an NHS England-funded programme — has since closed.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust placed an advert for a 'Close Relative Marriage Nurse/Midwife' post in its neonatal intensive care unit. The role was described as providing care and support to families who are closely related, and promoting understanding of genetic testing and related health issues. The advert said the post was part of a national programme funded by NHS England and noted there are very few nurses or midwives in this specific role. The advert has since closed and the position is understood to be vacant. Key facts: - The advert named the role 'Close Relative Marriage Nurse/Midwife' and placed it within the NICU team. - Responsibilities listed included discussing genetic risks, liaising across healthcare teams, and supporting newborn wellbeing for families with a common ancestor. - The advert gave a salary range of £37,338 to £44,962 and said the post was part of an NHS England-funded programme. - It listed cousins, uncles, aunts and other closely related family members as examples of families the role would work with. - The article noted that marrying a sibling is illegal in the UK, while marriage between cousins is permitted and has been the subject of public and political debate. Summary: The advert prompted discussion about how the NHS supports families where parents are closely related and touched on ongoing public and political debate about cousin marriage. The post was described as part of a national programme and is currently vacant. Undetermined at this time.