Midwives are a vital part of our NHS. Involved in every stage of a woman’s pregnancy from the initial appointments to the postnatal period. Although there is a shortened training route for registered adult nurses to become midwives, it is actually a separate profession from nursing.
You can find out more about training to become a midwife on the NHS Health Careers page.
The midwifery career path encompasses a number of different roles including:
- Midwife
- Maternity support worker
- Neonatal nurse
- Health visitor
- Newborn hearing screener
Each role is an important part of the pregnancy and birth journey and you can find out more about the different aspects of those roles here.
To explain more about the fantastic opportunities midwives have working through the staff bank we have interviewed Ingrid Lindberg who works as a staff bank midwife at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Staff Bank.
What made you decide to become a midwife?
I have been a qualified midwife since 2003 and decided to become a midwife after my own experience of pregnancy and birth.
What is the best part of your job?
It’s a lovely profession. I love helping to bring new life into the world and to support women at this amazing time in their life.
Why do you choose to work through the bank?
To fit in with my own family commitments I chose to go onto permanent bank in April last year. It has enabled me to fit my shifts around my own children.
What do you love about working bank?
The bank has been extremely helpful towards me whenever I’ve had any questions re training or booking shifts. Always answer emails and queries so quickly.
What do you love about working at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals?
I have always worked at Epsom hospital since qualifying in 2003 and I feel just as much part of the team now as a Bank midwife as I always did as permanent staff.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a Midwife?
For anyone considering a career in midwifery, go for it! It’s a very rewarding job and no two days are ever the same. It’s lovely to know that I have helped couples through their journey whether good or bad.
What would you say to someone considering bank work?
I would highly recommend this as a great flexible way of working. Weekly pay helps to plan and the convenience of booking shifts through the online Erostering is brilliant. It’s a great way of balancing your own family life and being able to work as much and when you can.
If you would like to see more midwifery roles we have available across all our Trusts, click here.
If you are interested in finding out more about working Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Staff Bank you can find out more about them here.