Essex maternity units battle staff shortages following resignations

The Mid and South Essex Hospital Trust says its three hospitals in Southend, Broomfield and Basildon “face challenges” with a shortage of both consultants and midwives.

 

A report published by the trust said midwives “continue to resign”, due to work-life balances.

 

The report to the trust board said that of the 33 newly qualified midwives, 13 were based at Basildon, 11 at Broomfield and nine at Southend.

 

The report continued “There remain midwifery workforce challenges at all three maternity units.  There is a risk that recruitment may be unsuccessful due to challenges in culture and clinical activity.

 

“The midwifery workforce remains a particular challenge due to midwives continuing to resign – moving out of midwifery for work-life balance.

 

“Recruitment for four consultants is in progress.  The trust would require another four to six consultants to be compliant.”

 

The figures from the trust reflect concern over a national shortage of midwives, with hundreds joining the March for Midwives vigils over the weekend to raise awareness of the NHS “maternity crisis”.

 

The government has said it was intending to recruit an additional 1,200 midwives nationally.

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s team of medical negligence lawyers have years of experience in high value and complex medical negligence compensation claims and have an excellent record.  The team is led by Tony May, a specialist cerebral palsy and birth injury solicitor, who has over 20 years experience in handling cases in which babies have been brain damaged or sustained other injuries as a result of medical negligence.  He and his team continue to represent many cerebral palsy children and young adults in medical negligence claims.  Tony also acts as a Court of Protection Deputy for many of the cerebral palsy and brain damaged clients that he has represented, so we can continue to support you after your case is settled.  Tony can be contacted by email on tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk.  Alternatively, please call and speak to any of Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist medical negligence Legal Aid and no win, no fee solicitors for free legal advice on Freephone 0800 304 7382