Nursery World - Childcare keeps midwives in NHS

Good childcare or flexible working arrangements in maternity services will help to stem the flow of midwives from the NHS, a guide produced jointly by the Daycare Trust and the Royal College of Midwives has said. The guide, Delivering better working lives together, says that much needs to be done to improve the recruitment and retention rates of NHSmidwives, and that anecdotal evidence suggests barriers are being placed in the way of those wishing to enter and stay in the profession. These include poor or inadequate childcare facilities and a reluctance to allow midwives to reduce their hours or employ newly-qualified or returning midwives on a part-time basis.

The guide, Delivering better working lives together, says that much needs to be done to improve the recruitment and retention rates of NHSmidwives, and that anecdotal evidence suggests barriers are being placed in the way of those wishing to enter and stay in the profession. These include poor or inadequate childcare facilities and a reluctance to allow midwives to reduce their hours or employ newly-qualified or returning midwives on a part-time basis.

The guide says, 'The inability of midwives to balance work and home life has contributed significantly to the sharp fall in midwifery numbers. A significant number of midwives have left the service because of the lack of flexible working and family-friendly policies.'

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included