NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde this week welcomed 56 newly qualified midwives as part of a £4 million investment in its midwifery workforce to strengthen maternity services across the region.

The majority of the new recruits graduated from the University of the West of Scotland, having completed their clinical placements within NHSGGC. They will join community teams and hospital services at the Princess Royal Maternity, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Inverclyde Royal Hospital and Vale of Leven Hospital.

After completing an induction programme led by the board's recently expanded Practice Development Team, they will work alongside an experienced ‘preceptor’ who will provide ongoing guidance and support during the early stages of their career.

NHSGGC Director of Midwifery Mary Ross-Davie says she and her colleagues are delighted that so many midwives have chosen to start their careers in Greater Glasgow and Clyde:

"These new colleagues will play a vital role in supporting women, babies and families across our communities.

“Through our induction programme, rotational opportunities and preceptorship support, we are committed to helping them develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive in their careers."

Professor Angela Wallace, NHSGGC Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, says the service will benefit from the “fresh perspectives, energy and commitment” of the new recruits:

"We have invested significantly in the support available to newly qualified staff, with our expanded Practice Development Team and Clinical Skills Midwives helping them make the transition from student to registered practitioner as smoothly as possible.

“We look forward to watching them grow and flourish within our maternity services."

The newly registered midwives will spend the first three years of their careers rotating through different parts of the service, gaining experience across community, antenatal, labour and postnatal care.

NHSGGC says a further, albeit smaller, group of new midwives is due to join the board in January.

Read more: New NHS staff data makes case for workforce plan; Mum scrubs-in to help deliver her baby by c-section; Rare condition screening for newborns across Scotland

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