Mock births give future midwives 'rare' insight

Midwives are to stage lifelike labour, caesarean and newborn‑care scenarios to give sixth form pupils an insight in to working on a maternity ward.

Hull Royal Infirmary said the simulations for Year 12 learners in East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire would give them "a rare opportunity" to experience a day in the life of a midwife.

It is part of a careers event being held at the hospital on 2 April for those thinking of taking up midwifery courses at university.

Jayne Dobson, employability coordinator at Hull City Council, said the event would give youngsters access to "valuable experience that we know they need but are unable to offer through our current work experience programme".

The NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said the simulated "hands-on" workshop would explain core clinical midwifery skills - including delivery of newborns, performing a caesarean section in theatre, as well as breastfeeding and postnatal recovery - without students needing to enter busy clinical areas.

Ricky Hurley, from the team, said: "We hope this experience inspires the next generation of midwives by showing them the skill, compassion and impact at the heart of this profession."

The organisation said only 12 places were available and all had been "snapped up within days", with the workshop being "massively over-subscribed".

Due to the demand, the NHS said it was planning a similar event later in the year.

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