A MIDWIFE claims there is a chronic shortage in the profession as many leave the NHS due to overwork and stress.

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is now calling for better pay to curb those leaving because of low pay, low morale and overwork. A review of midwife staffing levels is under way across Kent, Sussex and Surrey following a report by the RCM which found vacancies are running at seven per cent.

Midwife, Kay Hardie, from Ashford, works independently throughout Kent including Dartford and Gravesend. She worked in the NHS for five years but left in 2001 because she was not happy with her working conditions. Ms Hardie said: “I quit the NHS because I was frustrated I couldn’t guarantee a continuity of care for my patients. Midwifery is a very giving profession and we want to do a good job. “But it’s physically and emotionally exhausting and even if you work part time you’re worked to breaking point. The job holds such responsibility that it’s not acceptable to do that.” Read more…