Midwives' return to NHS
Monday, 25 Feb 2008 09:30
More midwives could improve the quality of care offered to new mothers
Extra resources have been assigned to attracting former midwives back to working for the NHS in a bid to improve childbirth care.
The government aims to have 4,000 extra midwives by 2012 and plans to achieve this through new midwives and by encouraging those taking a career break to return to the NHS.
Health secretary Alan Johnson said returning midwives would receive free training and a 'golden hello' of up to £3,000, consisting of childcare- and travel cost-support plus a grant of up to £1,500.
Mr Johnson said the government aims to recruit 1,000 midwives by 2009, which is predicted to rise to about 4,000 by 2012.
He explained the increase is needed to meet the rising number of births in England and to improve the quality of care offered to new mothers.
"Many of [the planned] 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," the health secretary said.
"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."
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