The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru has expressed concern following news that newly qualified midwives in Wales have been advised that there is a delay in the opening of midwifery streamlining, leading to the possibility of fewer vacancies for newly qualified healthcare students in Wales this summer.
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has communicated to healthcare students that there will not be enough roles for all newly qualified healthcare practitioners after graduation this summer.
The RCM said the situation highlights a worrying disconnect between the number of midwives being trained and the availability of secure, sustainable roles within NHS Wales.
Julie Richards, Director of RCM Cymru, said: “This is deeply concerning, particularly at a time when maternity services in Wales are already under significant pressure. Newly qualified midwives are a vital part of the workforce – they are skilled, committed and ready to provide high-quality care to women, babies and families. The prospect of them being unable to find employment is both troubling and of great concern.”
RCM Cymru has consistently warned that staffing shortages in maternity services must be treated as a safety issue. In its response to the recent Maternity and Neonatal Assessment: Pathways to Safer Beginnings in Wales, RCM Cymru called for urgent action from the Welsh Government, including dedicated funding and full implementation of the report’s recommendations.
Julie added: “On one hand we have national reviews and assessments highlighting the urgent need to improve staffing levels to ensure safe, equitable care. On the other, we are seeing newly qualified midwives facing uncertainty about their future employment. That simply does not add up.”
RCM Cymru is calling on the Welsh Government and NHS Wales Health Boards to urgently progress workforce planning and assurance actions, including the completion of Birthrate Plus assessments, to ensure services are safely staffed and that new midwives can be retained within the NHS.
The RCM also warned that recruitment freezes and financial constraints could drive newly qualified midwives away from the profession altogether.
Julie said: “We are at real risk of losing talented professionals before they have even begun their careers. Without immediate action, newly qualified midwives may be forced into non-clinical roles, insecure employment or leave the profession entirely. That would be a devastating loss for maternity services and for the women and families who rely on them.”
RCM Cymru says the situation reinforces the urgent need for investment in the maternity workforce, as set out in its Safe Staffing = Safe Care campaign and RCM Cymru’s manifesto priorities. These include fully funding and implementing the Wales Perinatal Workforce Plan, delivering on maternity and neonatal assessment recommendations and ensuring no services are compromised due to staffing shortages.
The RCM has written to HEIW and the Welsh Government regarding a significant recent reduction in commissioned midwifery training places – from 224 to 144 – warning that such cuts risk exacerbating workforce challenges in the years ahead.
Julie added: “Our message to newly qualified midwives is clear: you are valued and we are here to support you. We will continue to press for urgent action to ensure you can take up the roles you have trained so hard for and that maternity services in Wales are staffed safely for the future.”
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