Continuation of an annual programme of mandatory, multi-professional training for intrapartum emergencies that included 30 minutes of hands-on shoulder dystocia training, for all maternity staff is feasible in the long term. This paper provides further evidence that effective training of staff is key to more effective management of shoulder dystocia; improvement in neonatal outcomes is explained by better compliance with international care standards. Sustainable, long-term staff training with monitoring of effect should be a priority for all maternity healthcare organisations.