Menu
25/02/2008
More Midwives For NHS
The government has announced plans to recruit an extra 4,000 midwives across England over the next three years.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson also outlined plans for former midwives to be given a 'golden hello', worth up to £3,000, to help them return to work, following a break in service.
The Department of Health and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) will launch a Return to Practice campaign in the summer, with incentives including free training, support with childcare and travel costs plus a grant of up to £1,500.
Launching the measures, Mr Johnson said: "The number of births in England is rising. To keep pace with this increase and to improve the quality of care to mothers, we will recruit an additional 1,000 midwives on our wards and in our communities by 2009, rising to around 4,000 by 2012.
"Many of these extra midwives will be new to the profession, but there are also former midwives whose expertise could be brought back to the NHS given the right support. This is why we will make up to £3,000 worth of support available to each returning midwife, providing free training and financial support while they study.
"In January, I announced extra funding of £330 million over three years for maternity services. Trusts will have access to this additional money from April to invest in expanding the workforce."
The government's announcement follows last month's report by the Healthcare Commission, which raised concerns about the variation in maternity care and staffing levels.
Dame Karlene Davis, General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: "I welcome Alan Johnson's announcement which represents a recognition of the need to increase midwifery numbers. The RCM will wish to see a sustained programme of support for midwives from the government. We will continue to work with the government and the NHS to achieve this.
"This is a significant step on the road to delivering on Maternity Matters, the government's blue-print for maternity services, and providing a quality service for women, their babies and families."
Alastair Henderson, Deputy Director of NHS Employers, said: "Employers recognise the need to strengthen maternity services and recruiting additional midwives is a crucial part of this. We are looking forward to working with the Royal College of Midwives and the Department of Health to deliver an effective and focused NHS Careers return to practice campaign that delivers midwives to the areas where they are most needed."
(KMcA)
Health Secretary Alan Johnson also outlined plans for former midwives to be given a 'golden hello', worth up to £3,000, to help them return to work, following a break in service.
The Department of Health and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) will launch a Return to Practice campaign in the summer, with incentives including free training, support with childcare and travel costs plus a grant of up to £1,500.
Launching the measures, Mr Johnson said: "The number of births in England is rising. To keep pace with this increase and to improve the quality of care to mothers, we will recruit an additional 1,000 midwives on our wards and in our communities by 2009, rising to around 4,000 by 2012.
"Many of these extra midwives will be new to the profession, but there are also former midwives whose expertise could be brought back to the NHS given the right support. This is why we will make up to £3,000 worth of support available to each returning midwife, providing free training and financial support while they study.
"In January, I announced extra funding of £330 million over three years for maternity services. Trusts will have access to this additional money from April to invest in expanding the workforce."
The government's announcement follows last month's report by the Healthcare Commission, which raised concerns about the variation in maternity care and staffing levels.
Dame Karlene Davis, General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: "I welcome Alan Johnson's announcement which represents a recognition of the need to increase midwifery numbers. The RCM will wish to see a sustained programme of support for midwives from the government. We will continue to work with the government and the NHS to achieve this.
"This is a significant step on the road to delivering on Maternity Matters, the government's blue-print for maternity services, and providing a quality service for women, their babies and families."
Alastair Henderson, Deputy Director of NHS Employers, said: "Employers recognise the need to strengthen maternity services and recruiting additional midwives is a crucial part of this. We are looking forward to working with the Royal College of Midwives and the Department of Health to deliver an effective and focused NHS Careers return to practice campaign that delivers midwives to the areas where they are most needed."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 January 2008
‘Migrant Baby Boom’ Places Strain On NHS
Maternity units across the UK have turned away expectant mothers because they are unable to cope with the unprecedented increase in foreign national births. Maternity services for foreign-born mothers has cost the NHS £350m, £200m more than a decade ago.
‘Migrant Baby Boom’ Places Strain On NHS
Maternity units across the UK have turned away expectant mothers because they are unable to cope with the unprecedented increase in foreign national births. Maternity services for foreign-born mothers has cost the NHS £350m, £200m more than a decade ago.
21 January 2013
Rising Birth Rate Putting Strain On NHS
Midwives have warned that the increasing birthrate is putting the NHS under pressure. 688,120 babies were born in England in 2011, the highest figures since 1971. As the Office for National Statistics suggest 2012 will be another record-breaking year, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have said hospital services are struggling to keep up.
Rising Birth Rate Putting Strain On NHS
Midwives have warned that the increasing birthrate is putting the NHS under pressure. 688,120 babies were born in England in 2011, the highest figures since 1971. As the Office for National Statistics suggest 2012 will be another record-breaking year, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have said hospital services are struggling to keep up.
03 April 2007
Government to offer 'full range' of birth choice
Pregnant women are to be offered a full range of birthing choices, including the option to have a home birth, under new plans announced by the government. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt launched the new maternity strategy on Tuesday.
Government to offer 'full range' of birth choice
Pregnant women are to be offered a full range of birthing choices, including the option to have a home birth, under new plans announced by the government. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt launched the new maternity strategy on Tuesday.
04 October 2010
New Mums Unsupported, Study Suggests
A new study, involving almost 1,300 mothers, has found more than half felt they did not receive enough emotional support during the first 24 hours after giving birth.
New Mums Unsupported, Study Suggests
A new study, involving almost 1,300 mothers, has found more than half felt they did not receive enough emotional support during the first 24 hours after giving birth.
29 September 2006
Working mums receive maternity pay boost
Hundreds of thousands of working mothers will receive an increase in paid maternity leave, as the first changes under the Work and Families Act are introduced.
Working mums receive maternity pay boost
Hundreds of thousands of working mothers will receive an increase in paid maternity leave, as the first changes under the Work and Families Act are introduced.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
