A NEW campaign aims to bolster recruitment into maternity services across the region – including Airedale.

The West Yorkshire and Harrogate Local Maternity and Neonatal System has launched a new website and series of films promoting the range of roles available.

The initiative comes amid concerns over an ageing workforce.

Forty is the average age of a midwife, and eight per cent of those in the region are aged over 55.

Debi Gibson, director of midwifery for the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Local Maternity and Neonatal System, says: "As a maternity and neonatal system we aim to attract and retain a highly-effective workforce that’s well led, innovative and continuously learns.

"We hope that through the films, people will see the positive culture and many ways a career in midwifery can help them to develop professionally and personally.

"The films celebrate the diversity of the work and the supportive nature of the profession where strong relationships form between teams, colleagues and the people and families they support. It’s a great career choice."

Michala Little, head of midwifery and women’s services at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, says: "We hope to inspire the next generation of midwives, whether you’re starting out or looking for a career change.

"We also want to promote the incredible place that is West Yorkshire and Harrogate, so that those who have recently qualified but are living outside of the region might consider relocating."

She adds: "Midwives are the experts on childbirth and their day-to-day role includes supporting women during labour and the birthing process, providing full antenatal care – such as parenting classes, clinical examinations and screenings – and teaching new and expectant mothers how to feed, care for and bathe their babies."

Newly-qualified midwives in the NHS earn around £30,000 a year, progressing to £36,483 after four years.

A team leader could earn up to £44,962, and a consultant midwife up to £85,601.

Whilst studying, financial help – which does not have to be paid back – may be available through the NHS Learning Support Fund, including a training grant of £5,000 a year plus parental support payments for those with children.

For more details and to watch the films, go to midwiferycareerswyh.co.uk/be-part-of-something-special

The West Yorkshire and Harrogate Local Maternity and Neonatal System is a partnership of organisations including maternity and neonatal service providers, commissioners and local authorities.

It covers six NHS trust areas, including Airedale.