§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many full-time midwives were employed in the NHS in Northern Ireland(a) in 1999, (b) in 1994 and (c) on 1 May. [173602]
§ Angela SmithFigures for the number of full-time midwives employed within Health and Social Services (HSS) Trusts are given in the following table. The latest figures held are as at 31 March 2004. Figures have therefore been supplied as at 31 March 1994, 31 March 1999 and 31 March 2004.
Number of full-time midwives employed within HSS1 Trusts as at 31 March 1994, 31 March 1999 and 31 March 2004 Number 31 March 1994 666 31 March 1999 547 31 March 2004 492 1Health and Social Services. In addition, as at 31 March 1994 there were 594 part-time midwives (WTE 369.82). As at 31 March 1999 there were 656 part-time midwives (WTE 432.10). As at 31 March 2004 there were 773 part-time midwives (WTE 502.86).
§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to increase the number of midwives in(a) hospitals and (b) the community. [173603]
943W
§ Angela SmithRecruitment of midwives is a matter for individual employers on the basis of service need.
The Department introduced direct entry midwifery training in September 2003 with the first intake of 15 students and continues to provide opportunities for entry to an 18 month shortened programme for qualified nurses—40 nurses commenced a programme in November 2003.
The number of commissioned training places is reviewed annually.