Drop in midwife training places, study suggests

The number of training places for midwives has fallen, new research suggests.

A survey found that six out of ten strategic health authorities (SHAs) in England are cutting training places for midwifery for 2011-12, despite the government's promise to recruit 3,000 more midwives.

The survey, which was conducted by the Nursing Standard, revealed that across all SHAs in England, the number of midwifery training places will fall by 3.6 per cent.

Just two SHAs are planning to fund an increase in training places.

Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said the news was "another blow for maternity services".

She added: "We believe that 4,700 more midwives are needed in England to provide a safe and high-quality service for women."

However, the Department of Health has since distanced itself from the figures, saying the government remains "absolutely committed" to increasing the number of trained midwives.