‘Significant concern’ says RCM Scotland on NHS midwifery vacancy stats

By ‘Significant concern’ says RCM Scotland on NHS midwifery vacancy stats on 04 December 2019 RCM Scotland NHS Scotland Scotland NHS Funding Scottish Government Scottish Maternity Services Midwifery Continuity of Carer - MCOC Student midwives Midwife Shortage Midwife Training

ISD Scotland has published statistics on NHS midwifery and other staff vacancies in Scotland. The statistics show an increase of 26.5% in midwifery and nursing vacant posts from September 2018 to September 2019.

Commenting on the figures, Mary Ross-Davie, Director for Scotland at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “‘This is of significant concern and requires immediate and concerted action.  We recognise that the number of midwifery student places has increased significantly over the last 3 years, which we have welcomed, along with the maintenance and increase in the student bursary. 

“We call on the Government to now do more to retain midwives in the NHS – we need to keep as many experienced midwives in the service as possible. To do this we must ensure that maternity services are a positive place to work, with great opportunities for career development, good staffing levels and good pay, terms and conditions. 

“We need to also do more to attract midwives to come to work in Scotland from other parts of the UK and overseas, to ensure that the shortfall in midwifery numbers does not reach a crisis point.’

The ISD ‘Core Workforce’ statistics can be read at https://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/NES-Publication/#core_workforce.

Notes to Editors

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/.

ENDS