Newly qualified Midwives working across the Black Country will now be given structured support for up to 18 months in their first role.

The Black Country Local Maternity and Neonatal System (BCLMNS) has been working to standardise this support period – known as Preceptorship – across Walsall, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Dudley.

Previously, the length of time of Preceptorship offered varied across Walsall Manor, New Cross, Russells Hall and City Hospitals. It is now aligned across the Black Country and is set at 12-18 months.

Lucy Murcott, Workforce Lead for the BCLMNS, said this was a welcome move among staff  – signalling the Trusts’ commitment to retention and promoting the Black Country as a good place to work.

She said: “We want to do all we can to integrate our newly qualified Midwives into their organisations, helping them to settle with their teams and maximise the opportunities that exist to further their careers.

“This is an important period in their lives to help them grow in confidence and expand their skills as well as learn from good leaders and colleagues. We are pleased to have worked together to offer standardised Preceptorships across our Trusts, acting on staff feedback to make this change.

“We are proud of our committed and dedicated Midwives and recommend the Black Country as a supportive place to work.”