‘Positive step for maternity services in Scotland says RCM on introduction of experienced professional practice advisors’

on 09 October 2018 Scotland RCM Scotland Scottish Government Midwives Newly Qualified Midwives

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) welcomes the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for health at the Scottish National Party (SNP) conference yesterday with regard to the introduction of experienced professional practice advisors.

Commenting, Dr. Mary Ross Davie The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Director for Scotland said; “We really welcome the Scottish Government’s response to the concerns we have raised about the loss of experience and the need to increase the level of support to newly qualified midwives as they make the transition from being students.

“We hope that the role will enable experienced midwives and other health professionals, who are wishing to retire, to continue to share their experience and knowledge with newly qualified members of staff through a new formalised practice advisor role.   

“The RCM believes this is a very positive step for maternity services in Scotland as it should enable services to retain some of the great expertise of our older midwives and offer a higher level of support to the increasing number of newly qualified midwives coming into the service.

“In our recently published State of Maternity Services Scotland Report* the high number of midwives aged over 55 was highlighted. The report also revealed the growing number of student midwives and therefore the number of newly qualified midwives coming into our service. This situation, if not managed correctly, could lead to a ‘skills gap’ in our maternity services here in Scotland.”

 

*Read RCM’s State of Maternity Services Report 2018 - Scotland Report

*Related media release available to view here

 

Ends

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.