RCN calls for action on midwifery recruitment
Published: 27 January 2009
In response to the presentation to the Government of a petition signed by 30,000 midwives, health professionals and parents urging action on the national shortage of midwives, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr. Peter Carter said:
“This petition is a clear sign that there is a critical shortage of midwives in the NHS, which is putting the lives of mothers and babies at risk every day. There are not enough new staff being trained, whilst at the same time midwifery training programmes have applicants that cannot be given places. There is an easy solution; the Strategic Health Authorities should fund more training places to meet the demand.
“We know that many of the midwives in the RCN are coming up to retirement, so this is a problem that is only going to get worse, not better. The Government is facing a retirement timebomb and needs to take action.”
Ends
Notes for Editors
Petition organised by http://www.midwivesonline.com/, presented to the Government at 2pm on 22/01/09
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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.