What is the primary function of the National Maternity Monitoring Group (NMMG)?

The primary function of the National Maternity Monitoring Group (NMMG) is to monitor and evaluate maternity services. This group plays a crucial role in ensuring that the health and safety of mothers and infants are prioritized within the maternity care system in New Zealand. By monitoring various metrics and evaluating service delivery, the NMMG can identify areas for improvement and ensure that the care provided meets national standards. This ongoing assessment is vital for maintaining the quality of maternity services and for helping to inform policy decisions that can enhance the overall health outcomes for mothers and babies.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of maternity care. Overseeing the training of midwives is important, but it's not the core function of the NMMG; such training may be managed by educational institutions or professional bodies. Promoting home births is a specific advocacy role rather than a primary function of the NMMG, which is more focused on broad monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, while establishing new maternity facilities is a critical aspect of improving services, it typically falls under the remit of health planning and policy, rather than direct monitoring and evaluation.