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Chance for nurses in Highlands to move into rewarding midwifery career


By Gavin Musgrove

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There are 10 places available for nurses in the region to study to be midwives.
There are 10 places available for nurses in the region to study to be midwives.

Registered nurses in NHS Highland will have an opportunity to study for a midwifery qualification as part of a partnership between the health board and Edinburgh Napier.

The programmes, a post graduate diploma or master’s programme two-year route for adult nurses, will start in January next year.

They will be delivered by a team of experienced midwifery academic staff in partnership with NHS Highland.

Academic content will be delivered online and placement experience and skills teaching will be delivered locally.

Mary Burnside, Deputy Director of Midwifery for NHS Highland, said: “Having been a midwife all my working life I know just how rewarding a career it can be.

"The new short routes will enable adult nurses who are already employed in NHS Highland second registration with the NMC. We have 10 places available in our board area.

“Nurses who wish to apply to the programmes will be expected to commit to stay in the area and work as midwives. Successful applicants will receive a minimum of a band 5 salary for the duration of their studies.

“I have loved being a midwife and really would encourage anyone interested to learn more about the programme and what the midwifery profession has to offer.

"I’m happy to speak to people directly if they would like to know more or have any questions.”

Suzanne Crozier, Associate Professor in Edinburgh Napier’s School of Health and Social Care, said: “Midwifery is an endlessly fascinating and rewarding career.

"Our courses offer students who are already registered nurses and working as part of their local community an accessible way to develop skills which could allow them to play a part in what, for most women, is one of life’s most challenging yet exhilarating experiences.

“Our new postgraduate diploma and Masters programmes will be delivered from January by experienced midwifery academic staff in partnership with NHS Highland.

"With online learning being combined with practical experience gained on local placements, it will not normally involve any travel to Edinburgh."

She added: “Students who complete the programme will be able to gain employment locally as midwives and contribute to the development of the maternity services and NHS Scotland’s Best Start programme.”


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