The NHS is driving a new initiative to become “the safest place in the world to give birth” by funnelling £127 million into its midwifery services.
NHS midwifery operations throughout the UK are set to receive more staff and improved systems that will enable Midwives to provide a more tailored service to the mothers and babies in their care.
Not only is the investment set to increase staffing numbers, but a large driving force is also improving the culture within maternity units so that more would-be Midwives are drawn into this vital role.
The funds are in addition to those pledged last year and are set to be distributed to NHS midwifery and neonatal units over a three-year period.
NHS England detailed this as:
- £50 million – Over £50m invested in increasing staffing numbers in Trusts across England
- £34 million – At least £34m put into the culture and leadership development programmes of local maternity systems
- £45 million – Put towards raising the number of neonatal cots in hospitals across England
Professor Jaqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE, NHS England’s Chief Midwifery Officer, said: “Midwives have a rewarding, important and privileged role, and this new funding will be vital in providing them with a continuous improvement process that that supports them personally and professionally, to enhance the quality of care for women and babies.
“We want the NHS to be the safest place in the world to give birth and this funding will help us to do this.”
In last year’s funding announcement, a £95 million support package was declared for NHS maternity services across England. This led to the announcement of 1,300 new roles of which 1,200 were Midwives and 100 were Obstetricians.
At least £8m of that pledge was also reserved to better retain Midwives and support student Midwives looking to enter the industry.
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