First home grown qualified midwives set to take up new posts at Trust

Dreams of helping to bring new life into the world have become a reality for two former Maternity Support Workers (MSWs) after they become Medway NHS Foundation Trust’s first home grown midwives.

Abbie Hadlow and Charlotte Slater, who are both aged 30, are the first MSWs to complete a midwifery degree apprenticeship offered through the Trust in partnership with Greenwich University Medway Campus.

“The Trust’s organisational development team was behind me every step of the way though offering support, a shoulder to cry on through difficult shifts, guidance, and encouragement.

“Now I have completed the apprenticeship I am excited about starting my new role as a qualified midwife and getting my feet firmly on the ground. I have so much support at work so I am not too worried, however the nerves are there, of course!

“To anybody thinking of doing an apprenticeship I would say go for it! It’s a great way to learn alongside colleagues that you know and in an area that you are familiar with. The university and the Trust have been so supportive – I cannot thank them enough for the opportunities they have given me!”

Charlotte, who worked at the Trust as a MSW for two years before applying for the midwifery degree apprenticeship, said: “Becoming a qualified midwife was a childhood ambition for me. I would not have been able to financially afford to go to university as an adult but thanks to the Trust offering the midwifery degree apprenticeship I was able to achieve my goal while being financially secure.

“I received a lot of support, especially from my colleagues in the antenatal department, and I will forever be grateful to them. I hope to progress my career with the Trust and become a Band 6 midwife in the future.”

Evonne Hunt, Chief Nursing Officer at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Congratulations to Abbie and Charlotte for becoming the Trust’s first home grown midwives after they successfully completed the midwifery degree apprenticeship, which we are very proud to offer.

“Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m pleased to say they were still able to continue with their placements here at the Trust and their studies through virtual classrooms.

“The midwifery degree apprenticeship, which is open to Maternity Support Workers or adult nurses, offers a different route into the profession. In addition it provides the Trust with a fantastic opportunity to develop its existing staff and create home grown midwives, both of which will help us to deliver the best of care to women both before, during and after the birth of their child.”