Maternity services in the UK are benefitting from a pivot to digital healthcare, with advancements such as harnessing data analytics in predicting and preventing pregnancy complications, to AI tools helping clinicians make the right decisions.

NHS England’s Digital Health Leadership Programme is additionally equipping professionals with the capacity to drive large-scale digital change across the healthcare system, empowering professionals and patients as well as driving the movement to a safer and more inclusive future for maternity services.

So far, almost 5,000 applicants in London have put themselves forward to become part of this mission, in line with the annual average of 5,100 applications since 2019.

Sophie Russell, president of the Royal College of Midwives and Head of Midwifery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich, said: “I think this is an exciting time to become a midwife. I have been continually impressed and encouraged by the quality of research and innovation within maternity services.”

Since 2012, the average number of midwifery students per UK university has increased by 68 per cent.

Nina Kazaezadeh, chief midwife at NHS England London region, said: “Being a midwife is a profound privilege to support women, birthing people and families during one of life’s most transformative moments. Welcoming new life into the world and nurturing the next generation is among the most meaningful roles one can undertake.

“This year, we mark the 34th International Day of the Midwife, we celebrate the theme: Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis. This emphasises the indispensable role midwives play. In the UK, midwives are central to delivering high-quality, inclusive, and compassionate maternity care. Their contributions to the NHS and our diverse communities are invaluable.

“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our future NHS midwifery workforce, our dedicated students who are committed to joining this vital community.”