The University of Winchester has said it plans to deliver two new midwifery courses.

A midwifery BSc and degree apprenticeship are currently in the works and have been praised by medical professionals.  

The lead midwife for education, Dr Kate Nash, and her programme development team were commended for the standard of documentation and the 360-degree holistic development of the curriculum.

Heather Bower, Head of midwifery education at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “The University of Winchester’s exciting new midwifery programmes will provide the region with opportunity to expand the number of midwifery students, reflecting the government’s commitment to an increased growth in the midwifery workforce.

READ MORE: Big Band Buffet is a big hit on its return to Test Valley

“I am particularly delighted to see the introduction of a registered midwife degree apprenticeship route at Winchester, which will enable local maternity support workers to develop their careers into midwifery.

"This is an important – and growing – route into midwifery, supported by the NHS long term workforce plan.

"The Royal College of Midwives is also committed to apprenticeship routes and will continue to support growth of registered midwife degree apprenticeships in the future.”

Fay Corder, director of midwifery at Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust, said: “This programme supports our future workforce plans to recruit and retain midwifery trainees from the area to support the birthing population across Hampshire. 

“We look forward to welcoming midwifery learners from the University of Winchester and the midwifery apprenticeship will provide an opportunity to nurture and develop our existing staff to reach their potential as registered midwives.”