A group of internationally educated midwives will soon start their new roles at Scunthorpe and Grimsby hospitals.
The newly recruited foursome, who are qualified and experienced midwives in their home country of Ghana, have relocated to the local area to join us. They are the first midwives recruited from overseas to join the Trust.
All four were inspired to go into midwifery by their relatives in the profession or from their family’s own experiences.
Janet, who has trained and worked in midwifery for the last 14 years, said: “As a child, I spent my weekends at the hospital with my aunt who was a midwife. The staff used to call me “the baby midwife” and I got to spend time with the patients and see babies being born. Growing up I realised midwifery was not only about ‘catching’ babies but providing holistic care to both mother and baby.”
Following international recruitment efforts from the Trust, the midwives have each made sacrifices to take up this new role in a different country, including leaving family behind.
Estarah, whose journey into midwifery was inspired by her grandmother, said: “I loved her dedication, care and gentle nature towards women trying to conceive, during pregnancy and the postnatal care she provided. I was determined to gain the scientific knowledge and evidence-based research to support the women I care for. Now, I love being in the labour room, getting to meet the babies I’ve monitored and helping those who need a little help to adapt to the outside world.”
All four are currently preparing to take written and practical exams to allow them to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). They will then complete a 12 to 18-month preceptorship programme, during which they will be welcomed and integrated into their new team and place of work. The purpose of this programme is to help professionals translate their knowledge into everyday practice, grow in confidence and understand how to apply national standards of practice and behaviours in their day-to-day roles. Finally, they will go on to join the Honeysuckle and Blueberry teams at Grimsby hospital and Ward 26 and the Central Delivery Suite at Scunthorpe.
Mary also comes from a line of midwives. She said: “Seeing my mum and granny do what they love the most and talking about their passion at home sparked my interest. I love the challenges that come with my job; being the first to see babies come out of the womb is exciting and helping mothers and their families through the transition to parenthood is what I enjoy most.”
The Trust have supported the midwives with their move to the UK, including arranging temporary on-site accommodation and a welcome pack including essentials to see them through the first few days in the country.
Penellia, who as a child heard from her mother the ‘superpowers’ that midwives have, said: “I believe midwifery is the most fulfilling profession someone can ever take on. It’s rewarding because of the unique opportunity it presents for care of prospective mothers, guiding them and assisting in birth. The satisfaction is like no other.”
The Recruitment team at Grimsby have played an integral part in the arrival of the midwives and provided them with welcome brochures about the area, highlighting places of worship, local supermarkets, public transport, how to register with a GP and set up a bank account.
The midwives will also receive ongoing tailored support by the Trust’s Pastoral Midwife, Practice Educator Midwife and clinical skills midwives. A new induction programme has also been created to incorporate all mandatory training, computer systems, clinical skills, obstetric emergency drills, infant feeding, fetal monitoring and much more.
Ellie Monkhouse, Chief Nurse, said: “We are delighted to have these experienced midwives join us. Having midwifery teams that reflect our communities benefits us all. We look forward to learning from one another and providing excellent patient care together. I want to thank them for choosing to join us and I wish them all the best in their NHS career.”
An additional four midwives recruited internationally are due to join the Trust in May, followed by a further eight by the end of the year.
