16 November 2025 , 14:46
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A growing number of student midwives are being prevented from graduating due to insufficient training.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has had to step in before graduations and first-time employment due to concerns about the quality of training in the UK.
It’s believed that several of those ’blocked’ from entering the health service have had to extend their studies or, in some cases, transfer to different universities.
This follows Health Secretary Wes Streeting calling for a “complete overhaul” of the midwifery training system.
The reports surfaced after it was disclosed that universities across England were found to be teaching “normal birth” ideology in undergraduate courses.
Donna Ockenden, chair of the Nottingham maternity inquiry, pointed out that many students are not being equipped with the skills needed to enter the health service and care for women giving birth today.
The changes occurred after the National Midwifery Council (NMC) withdrew approval for Canterbury Christ Church University’s midwifery program.
This unusual measure was taken after concerns were raised about the undergraduate course.
It was later revealed that students enrolled in the course were offered places at another university, specifically the University of Surrey.
Paul Rees, chief executive of the NMC, stated: “We have had to take regulatory action as a result. In some cases, due to ongoing issues, we have had to work with various institutions to extend their programs to ensure students meet the required standards.
“For some students, this has led to delayed graduation while they make up for deficiencies in theoretical or practical learning. This has been both disruptive and distressing for those students."
Head of Investigations