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Written question asked by Tim Yeo (Conservative) on Wednesday, 23 October 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 October 2013 (named day). It was answered by Dan Poulter (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 October 2013 on behalf of the Department of Health.


Midwives

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to encourage people to pursue a career in midwifery.

Answer

There are a record number in excess of 5,000 midwives currently in training and 75 more new training places this year than in 2010.

As part of its mandate commitments, Health Education England (HEE) is responsible for ensuring that national health service staff are available in the right numbers with the right skills, values and competencies to deliver both excellent clinical outcomes together with patient-centred care.

NHS Careers, part of HEE, actively promotes all healthcare careers, including midwifery. Careers information, advice and guidance about a career in midwifery are available through its website, literature and helpline. This includes information about the education and training needed to become a midwife, entry routes and training opportunities, cadet schemes and apprenticeships.

There has been a reduction in the midwife-to-birth ratio from 2008 to 2012.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
172706; 569 cc517-8W
Session
2013-14
Subjects
Midwives
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk