Posted on: 11 November 2024
Films launched to bolster West Yorkshire and Harrogate maternity services and diversify workforce
The West Yorkshire and Harrogate Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) is launching a series of films to help future proof local maternity services, promoting the breadth of maternity roles available and information on how to choose a career in maternity care.
The films, and new website, are part of a system-wide plan to tackle the issue of an ageing workforce within maternity services. The LMNS identified that in the coming years, trusts in the region could see an increase in highly skilled and experienced midwives retiring, with 40 being the average age of a midwife, and 8% of the workforce now aged over 55.
The LMNS also hopes the films will bring more diversity to the maternity workforce in West Yorkshire and Harrogate to more accurately reflect the communities they work with.
The new films celebrate the diversity of the work and the supportive nature of the profession where strong relationships form between teams, colleagues and the people and families they support. Many involved in the filming described their job as a privilege.
Maria, a midwife from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and features in the film said: "I pinch myself every day that I’m paid to work my dream career. I hope other like-minded people see this film and take that leap and join us in creating a positive future for midwifery.”
Midwives are the experts on childbirth and their day-to-day role includes supporting women during labour and the birthing process, providing full antenatal care, such as parenting classes, clinical examinations and screenings, as well as teaching new and expectant mothers how to feed, care for and bathe their babies.
Newly qualified midwives in the NHS earn around £30,000 a year, progressing up to £36,483 after 4 years’ experience. But career development opportunities mean as a team leader a midwife could earn up to £44,962 and as a consultant midwife, up to £85,601. Whilst studying, financial support is available for eligible students through the NHS Learning Support Fund, which does not have to be paid back. This includes a training grant of £5000 per year, plus parental support payments for those with children.
Alongside the films is a brand-new midwifery careers website that covers everything potential candidates might need to know from routes to get into maternity, links to local universities and signposting to current job opportunities across the 6 local hospitals.
Michala Little, Head of Midwifery and Women’s Services at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust said: “We hope to inspire the next generation of midwives, whether you’re thinking of starting your first career, or looking for a career change. We also want to promote the incredible place that is West Yorkshire and Harrogate, so that those who have recently qualified but are living outside of the region might consider relocating.”
Debi Gibson, Director of Midwifery for the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Local Maternity and Neonatal System said: “As a maternity and neonatal system we aim to attract and retain a highly effective workforce that’s well led, innovative and continuously learns. We hope through the films people can see the positive culture, career progression opportunities and the many ways a career in midwifery can help them to develop professionally and personally. It’s a great career choice.”
Find out more about how to start your career in midwifery, and view the films at midwiferycareerswyh.co.uk