§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what representations he has received about the number of midwives presently serving in the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what steps he is taking to recruit more midwives.
§ Mr. NewtonWhile we are aware of the evidence presented by the Royal College of Midwives to the pay review body, we have not received any formal representations about the number of midwives presently serving in the National Health Service. We have however received a number of letters referring to midwife recruitment difficulties in particular localities. Nationally the total number of qualified midwives employed in the NHS in England continues to increase and at September 1985 there were 18,260 whole-time equivalents, which is an increase of 14 per cent. since 1981. Although the number entering training in the year ended 31 March 1987 decreased by 6.8 per cent. to 2,759 over the previous year, the proportion passing their examinations increased from about 78 per cent. to 95 per cent.
Individual health authorities are responsible for recruiting staff. However, central initiatives intended to help with the recruitment and retention of midwives include funding in the present financial year a feasibility study into direct entry midwifery by the English National Board; a review by the management and staff sides of the nursing and midwifery staffs negotiating council of the grading structure for nursing and midwifery staff with the aim of providing a more flexible structure which can recognise individual skills and responsibility; and a joint NHS/DHSS working group on equal opportunities for women with particular reference to management of the career break.