RCM Cymru has expressed disbelief that 63 newly qualified midwives in Wales remain without NHS jobs, despite continued warnings to the Welsh Government about the “desperate need” for maternity staff.
In June, the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) streamlining process left 68 graduate midwives without jobs to go to because there were fewer roles available.
Today (25 August), HEIW confirmed that number has barely moved, down to 63, in an update issued to third-year students. HEIW’s Chief Executive Alex Howells called the position “particularly challenging,” warning that only a handful of further roles are expected this autumn – not enough for everyone still waiting.
The position for nursing graduates has improved considerably by comparison, with the graduate gap narrowing from 186 to 14 since June.
RCM Cymru has consistently warned that safe staffing must be treated as a safety issue. Evidence gathered from RCM members in June has highlighted concerns about staffing across Welsh maternity services, while national reviews have also called for action to ensure services have enough staff to provide safe care.
Julie Richards, RCM Cymru Director, said: “We are in disbelief that we still have 63 newly qualified midwives ready to work, but with no jobs to go to and with services in desperate need of staff.
“Our members are telling us about a birth centre suspended, community midwives being called in to keep services safe, specialist midwives pulled from clinical roles to cover gaps and high sickness levels linked to stress – it doesn’t add up.”
Since June, RCM Cymru has pressed for action at every level, including meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, raising the issue in the Senedd and engaging HEIW and Health Boards from Chief Midwifery Officer to education lead level, alongside local events for graduates in Cardiff, Swansea and Bangor.
Julie added: “We’re not going to stop making the case for these newly qualified midwives. We’re pressing for answers about future vacancies and are pushing for a preceptorship route that could support graduates into the workforce and taking the case directly to Welsh Government.
“Ultimately, these midwives need jobs and maternity services in Wales need their skills. We won’t give up until we have the solution.”
RCM Cymru is continuing to support the affected graduates directly, with HEIW signposting students to RCM early career support and relevant learning resources.
