NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has welcomed 56 newly qualified midwives as part of a significant investment in strengthening maternity services across the Board.
The new recruits joined NHSGGC this week and will be based across a range of maternity services, including the Princess Royal Maternity (PRM), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH), Inverclyde Royal Hospital (VoLH), Vale of Leven Hospital, and community and outpatient teams.
Most of the new midwives graduated from the University of the West of Scotland, having completed their clinical placements within NHSGGC. The group also includes graduates from elsewhere in Scotland and England who have chosen to begin their careers in Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
The new starters are taking part in a comprehensive induction programme led by the Board’s recently expanded Practice Development Team. This includes practical skills training delivered by Clinical Skills Midwives, who will continue to provide support as the midwives transition into clinical practice over the coming weeks.
Each newly qualified midwife will also be matched with an experienced preceptor, offering guidance and support during the early stages of their career. During their first three years as registered midwives, they will rotate through different parts of the service, gaining experience across community, antenatal, labour and postnatal care.
The group was welcomed by Director of Midwifery, Mary Ross-Davie, senior midwifery leaders, and newly appointed Consultant Midwife, Mercedes Perez-Botella.
The appointments form part of a wider £4 million investment by NHSGGC to increase its midwifery workforce, with a smaller further intake of new midwives due to join the Board in January. This investment aligns with ongoing recruitment activity highlighted by NHSGGC’s maternity leadership team.
Mary Ross-Davie, NHSGGC Director of Midwifery, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome 56 newly qualified midwives to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. This is an exciting time to begin a career in midwifery, and we are proud that so many graduates have chosen to join our teams across 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, said: “We are delighted to welcome such a talented and enthusiastic group of newly qualified midwives. They bring fresh perspectives, energy and commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care.”
“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.”
