Written question asked by Helen Clark (Labour) on Tuesday, 31 August 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 October 2004. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 11 October 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps is he taking (a) to maintain the number of midwives and (b) to maintain the number of those available (i) for homebirths, (ii) to fill existing vacancies and (iii) to cover those unable to attend work. - Including figures.

Answer: Mrs. Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps is he taking (a) to maintain the number of midwives and (b) to maintain the number of those available (i) for homebirths, (ii) to fill existing vacancies and (iii) to cover those unable to attend work. [187558] Mr. Hutton: The Government are implementing a range of measures to recruit and retain midwives. These include improving pay and conditions, encouraging the national health service to become a better, more flexible and diverse employer, increasing training, investing in child care and continuing professional development, attracting back returners and running national and international recruitment campaigns. In September 2003, there were 1,556 more midwives employed in the NHS than there were in 1997 and the number of students entering training to become a midwife each year has increased by 574 or 34 per cent. since 1996-97. In line with the Government's policy to devolve decision making to those at the front line of NHS service provision, it is for individual units and trusts to make arrangements for covering homebirths and to cover for staff absences.

Secondary information