Retention and recruitment of midwives is a recurring issue for many of the District Health Boards (DHBs). Short term solutions are put into place that mediate the issue for a short time but the issue re-occurs regularly. A long term strategy is required to support ongoing retention and recruitment of midwives to ensure sufficient midwives to provide maternity care throughout New Zealand.

Hospital (employed) and Community LMC midwives are a co-dependent workforce, when one workforce is under pressure it has a direct impact on the other workforce so it is important to always ensure that both workforces are fully supported.

The New Zealand College of Midwives and MERAS has developed the following draft strategy to support recruitment and retention of employed midwives as an essential part of the maternity workforce.
Vision: All maternity services are fully staffed by Registered Midwives working to their full scope of practice and accountability.

Click here to download strategies for midwifery recruitment and retention