Having nearly qualified as a midwife after years of dedication and training, I have been met with a harsh reality: there are no jobs nationwide. This isn't just my story; it's the story of countless newly qualified midwives who find themselves in the same position — ready to serve, but with nowhere to go. 

Our country is facing a significant shortage of healthcare professionals, and midwifery is no exception. According to recent statistics from the National Health Service, there is a growing demand for maternal care services as birth rates increase and the population ages. However, despite this demand, there seems to be a disconnect between the number of available positions and the number of midwives being trained and qualifying each year. This begs the question: why aren't we bridging this gap?

The current situation not only wastes talent and expertise but also hampers the quality of maternal care provided to expectant mothers. Newly qualified midwives are equipped with the latest knowledge and practices, ready to bring renewed energy and skill to healthcare teams across the nation. Yet, without employment opportunities, their skills remain untapped and wasted.

We urge the Ministry of Health and relevant healthcare employers to prioritize the creation of job opportunities for newly qualified midwives. It is crucial to establish dedicated pathways and initiatives that ensure these professionals have access to employment immediately upon qualifying. Such measures might include increased funding for healthcare systems to expand their maternity wards, the development of guaranteed job placement programs for graduates, and the implementation of retention strategies to ensure that these talented professionals remain in the field for the long term.

Taking action now will not only support newly qualified midwives but will greatly benefit the healthcare system and improve outcomes for mothers and babies across the country. Let's commit to valuing the dedication of new healthcare professionals and investing in our own future.

Sign the petition to call on our leaders to ensure jobs for newly qualified midwives. Together, we can make sure that every midwife has the opportunity to practice their essential skills and contribute to our nation's healthcare.