Both Mothers' and Babies' lives are being put at risk by the current shortages of midwives according to the Royal College of Midwives.
Over the last 20 years there has been a rise of 22% in the rate of births and this has resulted in the shortfalls seen today. Some areas are significantly worse off than others, with East Midlands and the East of England being the worst, having a shortfall of over 40%..
The Royal College of Midwives has accused the Prime Minister of backing away from a pledge to raise the number of midwives, but the Department of Health says that 'record numbers' of midwives were being trained.
Cathy Warwick, General Secretary of the RCM says "We believe women should have the same choice over giving birth wherever they live. Once you get to really critical shortfalls, maternity services won't be safe."
The charity 'Action Against Medical Accidents', AVMA, described the situation as desperate in some areas. Their chief executive, Peter Walsh, says: 'Having a baby should be the happiest time in a couple's life, but failure to deal with this problem is all too often turning it into a tragedy. Maternity services should be the NHS's first priority for improving patient safety and having enough trained midwives is an absolute must.'
15 Sept 2011 | 
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