Shortage of midwives predicted

Midwives in Lincolnshire are warning that the profession will face a serious shortage of staff in the near future.

A quarter of midwives in the county are coming up to the retirement age of 55.

Health officials have said they are finding it extremely difficult to recruit replacement staff as older workers leave the profession.

Attempts are being made to persuade staff to work for longer and to tempt back trained midwives who have not practiced for years.

Pat Appleby, head of midwifery for South Lincolnshire said: "Although we are training midwives today, what we are losing is midwives with maybe 30 years experience.

"Obviously we would like a good mix of the newly qualified enthusiastic midwives who bring such a lot to the job, but are supported by the midwives with many years experience."

Ms Appleby added that home visits made by community midwives could be affected if more midwives are not recruited.