New programme to support midwives

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says more support will be provided for newly qualified midwives with a recently established mentoring programme.

The Midwifery First Year of Practice Programme has been developed by The Midwifery Council and the New Zealand College of Midwives, with the support of Health Workforce New Zealand.


The Midwifery First Year of Practice Programme has been developed and enhanced to provide more support to newly qualified midwives. Photo: Supplied

'It is important that new mothers and babies receive high quality care across New Zealand,” says Jonathan. 'The sector has worked together to develop an enhanced mentoring programme for new midwifes.

'Newly qualified midwifes will now benefit from extra clinical support, mentoring and supervision.”

Jonathan believes the programme will help to increase graduates' confidence, and help to assure families about the quality of care.

It will also be compulsory for newly registered midwifes practising in New Zealand and the Midwifery Council will have a more defined role to support new midwifes.

Jonathan adds: 'There will also be improved performance expectations and support for midwifes mentoring graduates.”

Health Workforce New Zealand has committed funding of $2.77 million to support the programme.

The changes to the Midwifery First Year of Practice Programme will be introduced from February 1 to coincide with the start of the first new graduate midwife group.

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