HC Deb 22 February 2000 vol 344 cc912-3W
Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many qualified midwives were employed in the NHS(a) in 1979, (b) in 1997 and (c) at the latest available dates. [111316]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 21 February 2000]: Information about numbers of midwives employed by the National Health Service is collected as at 30 September each year. Latest figures are as at 30 September 1998. The information is shown in the table.

NHS hospital and community health services (HCHS): Midwives, in England, as at 30 September each year
Number (headcount)
19791 14,620
1997 22,380
1998 22,840
1 State certified midwives in hospital and at area and district. Figures exclude learners and agency staff. 1979 figure not directly comparable with later years.

Note:

Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

Source:

Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census.

Health and Personal Social Services Statistics for England (HPSSS)