A student Midwife at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), who is grateful for the experience of working during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, is encouraging students who have this week received their A-Level results to apply for Midwifery courses.
Emma Clayton, 31, from Morecambe, has had a work placement at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) over the past few months and is now in the final year of her studies at the University of Cumbria in Lancaster.
Ruth May, England’s Chief Nurse, has also issued a rallying call to students who have received their A-Level results to join thousands of their peers who have already applied to study Midwifery or Nursing this year.
Emma said: “Midwifery is very rewarding and I would recommend it to anyone who is wondering what career to go into.
“There are people of all ages on my course and it is very enjoyable. I only wish I’d done it sooner!”
Emma said opting in to work through the COVID-19 pandemic has been an experience that she has been extremely grateful for.
Emma said: “One moment that I’ll always remember and take away from this is when a woman held my hand and said: ‘Thank you for making this experience feel normal for me in a time that’s not normal’.
“Just to have made a difference for one woman during this pandemic is something I am proud of as a student.”
Emma said she has a huge passion for midwifery and feels lucky to be able to support women through what can be an extremely vulnerable time.
Emma explained: “Pregnancy and birth fascinate me. I think the strength and courage women have is just amazing.
“To be in a position to be with women and supporting them when they can be going through what can be a vulnerable time, is just an extremely lucky position to be in. I like to be able to be a part of helping women to feel supported and empowered.
“Seeing babies being born is such a small part of it but an experience you feel lucky to be a part of. We see women become mothers and couples becoming a family.”
During her time with UHMBT Emma worked alongside registered midwives and supported women through their pregnancy, birth and postnatally.
Emma said her experience at the Trust had been hugely positive and added: “The team at Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) have been so welcoming and supportive and I can’t thank them enough for supporting me through this journey.
“The Midwives at Lancaster have been brilliant to work alongside and have really helped me gain new skills and confidence as a student Midwife. The RLI is where I will be applying to work when I finish my training.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a student Midwife and have loved my training so far. “I’m grateful for having this opportunity and I am looking forward to my final year as a student Midwife before I hopefully qualify next year. I honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
Ruth May said: “The last six months has seen Midwives and Nurses play a leading role in the fight against coronavirus, cementing the high esteem they are held in by the nation, so it’s no surprise that interest in Midwifery and Nursing degrees is already high.
“Uncertain times lay ahead, but one thing we can be sure of is that the country and the NHS will always need Midwives and Nurses, and that Midwifery and Nursing will always offer a rewarding and varied career, making it a strong choice for any young people considering their options.
“So whoever you are, whatever your background and wherever you want to go: your NHS needs you, so search ‘Midwifery’ and Nursing’ careers today.”
Amanda Plackett, Interim Deputy Head of Midwifery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UHMBT, added: “We value the contribution that Emma and all our student midwives have made to the team, especially during the pandemic.
“We are pleased that Emma has enjoyed her placement and received really positive feedback from the women she has cared for. We wish Emma every success in her career as a midwife.”
For more information and support with any placements, work experience or local information on NHS careers, please go to this link: https://www.betterwithyou.co.uk
Information on Maternity Services at UHMBT is available on this link: https://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/maternity
