Funding boost for UK midwives under government Spending Round

on 05 September 2019

UK Government Chancellor Sajid Javid announced a multimillion pound package to train and retain NHS midwives and nurses as part of the latest Spending Round.

Every midwife will receive a £1,000 personal development budget to support their learning over three years.

Commenting on the funding boost, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives Gill Walton said: “This is a welcome initiative that will support midwives to further their careers and gain new skills. It will support them to offer even better care to women, babies and their families.

“Personal and professional development within the workplace is incredibly important. It helps to improve morale and shows staff they are valued and respected. A key issue though will be ensuring midwives have the time to take advantage of this offer.”

The £210 million funding boost will be offered in financial year 2020/21 as part of the government’s commitment to improving patient care and securing a sustainable future as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

It is also hoped that the personal development fund will help midwives develop new clinical skills and obtain advanced practice qualifications.

The allowance could also be used to increase continuing professional development (CPD) for NMC revalidation.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, said: “This is a Spending Round to support and celebrate our public services, getting cash to those on the frontline, including delivering on our promises to the NHS.

“Our nurses, midwives and other dedicated NHS professionals care for us when we need it most, so it’s right that we support them to develop rewarding and fulfilling careers and continue to deliver the standards of care for patients.”

Midwives are required to undertake 35 hours of CPD over a three-year period since joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council register or when their registration was last renewed.