NUMBERS OF MIDWIVES

That this House welcomes the Women's Institute (WI) national campaign entitled We Need More Midwives; recognises the hard work of the Old Portsmouth WI for highlighting this campaign; notes that while the Government has made significant gains in increasing the numbers of midwives, more effort needs to be made with a focus on investment in employment, retention and the training of midwives; expresses concern following a recent investigation which found that half of midwives feel that they are unable to deliver the quality of care that they aspire to; acknowledges that, despite Government pledges, 34 per cent of women did not get the contact details or name of their midwife, that 88 per cent had not met their midwife before going into labour and that 13 per cent of women did not receive one-to-one care in labour; and urges the Government to review midwifery services and ensure that high standards are being met throughout the NHS.