On Tuesday 16th January, the University of Greenwich hosted an event to celebrate the first cohort of midwives moving into placement at Kent hospital. The inaugural cohort were joined by trust partners; East Kent, Medway, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells and Dartford and Gravesham, the university’s executive team, the assistant director of the National Midwifery Council and the Chief Midwifery Officer for England.
The course at the University of Greenwich uses state of the art training methods, including remotely controlled mannequins to replicate a birth. It is one of nine education institutions to offer degree apprenticeship schemes in midwifery, allowing students to work alongside staff in Kent hospitals.
The 37 students were given short speeches by some of the visiting dignitaries before all had the network and see the university’s state of the art simulation labs. A key speech was from the Chief Midwifery Officer, Kate Brintworth, who inspired the cohort about to go on placement, with her personal stories, insights, and encouragement.
As a symbol of the occasion, the students were presented with university-branded fob watches which was also as a practical tool for the student midwives as they embark on their training.
Laura Mackenzie, Midwifery Programme Lead said:
‘The launch event fostered a sense of community and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the midwifery program. The success of the official launch sets a promising tone for the future of midwifery education at Medway, and the university looks forward to nurturing and empowering future generations of skilled and compassionate midwives.’
