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Government outlines plans for 4,000 extra midwives

25/02/2008

A drive to recruit 4,000 extra midwives over the next four years has been outlined today by the health secretary Alan Johnson.

The government aims to achieve this number by attracting new midwives and encouraging those taking a career break to return to the NHS.

During a visit to the Royal Victoria Infirmary maternity unit in Newcastle, Mr Johnson will announce a 'golden hello' worth up to £3,000 to help former midwives return to work.

Incentives include free training, support with childcare and travel costs and 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."

Dame Karlene Davis, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said she welcomed today's announcement.

"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," she added.

"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."