Midwifery Retention Project

The NHS is experiencing a significant workforce crisis across the service; with currently >130, 000 vacancies, therefore, national efforts to improve recruitment and retention are a priority. In maternity services, there are currently 2,500 WTE midwife vacancies and over three-quarters of Heads of Midwifery cite it is 'increasingly difficult' to fill these vacancies (RCM, 2022a; RCM, 2022b). A vital component of a sustainable workforce and safe maternity care is retaining newly qualified midwives (where attrition is currently high) and experienced midwives already working within the service. However, data repeatedly demonstrate dissatisfaction and intentions to leave the midwifery profession (RCM, 2022; RCM, 2022). Recognising the importance of retention, NSHEI allocated a one-off lump sum of £50,000 to each hospital Trust to specifically employ midwives to support retention efforts (NHSEI, 2022). However, to date, research has not captured contemporary midwifery attrition and retention insights with this role in place. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to capture, analyse and disseminate localised data from one NHS Trust to inform future local, regional and national retention projects. Specifically, this study aims to explore the views of midwives and student midwives at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust regarding intentions to stay or leave either their current workplace and/or the profession. These subtle but salient differences are important as some may prefer to work elsewhere but remain in midwifery, conversely, others may be satisfied with their workplace but intend to leave the profession. We will also gather insights regarding the retention midwife role, their work to date and potential impact. We will gather the data via documentary review, a survey aimed at midwives and student midwives and 10-15 individual interviews. Using these insights, we will identify recommendations for the local, regional and national workstreams to inform future retention work.

Inclusion Criteria:employed midwives at Torbay Hospital.student midwives on placement at Torbay Hospital.Exclusion Criteria:Midwives or student midwives not working/placed at Torbay Hospital.