Equipping Future Midwives: Bournemouth University Unveils New Campus

Portsmouth Midwifery Campus: A Modern Solution to England’s Midwife Shortage

Bournemouth University has officially launched a new training centre to address the pressing shortage of midwives in the region. The newly opened Portsmouth Midwifery Campus, located at Lakeside, North Harbour, is designed to provide top-quality education to approximately 80 students annually. To ensure practical experience, these students will be placed at hospital trusts across Berkshire, Chichester, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced resources, the campus aims to prepare student midwives for successful careers in the healthcare sector. This initiative reflects the university’s dedication to resolving workforce challenges in midwifery while maintaining a standard of excellence in education and practical training. Research conducted by the BBC last year revealed that England faces an alarming shortage of approximately 2,500 midwives, with some hospital trusts reporting vacancy rates exceeding 20%. The Royal College of Midwives has identified staffing shortages as the most pressing issue within the field and emphasised the urgent need to address this gap to maintain effective healthcare services.

During the campus's official inauguration, Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, expressed her satisfaction with this development. She highlighted the critical need for more trained midwives across the UK and stressed the vital role this facility will play in equipping the next generation of professionals with the necessary expertise to address the ongoing shortage. Replacing the former training centre previously located at St Mary’s Hospital, the new campus features an integrated design that fosters an optimal learning environment while supporting student well-being. Professor Anand Pandyan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, underscored the thoughtfulness of the campus design and its focus on preparing graduates to serve women effectively across the region.

The Portsmouth Midwifery Campus marks a significant step in strengthening the healthcare system by addressing the midwifery shortage and ensuring that graduates are equipped to meet the needs of the community.

Editor's Note:

The inauguration of Bournemouth University's Portsmouth Midwifery Campus comes at a critical time as England grapples with a significant shortage of trained midwives. With advanced facilities and carefully designed learning environments, this campus represents a vital step toward addressing workforce challenges in the midwifery sector. By equipping students with practical skills and comprehensive education, it fosters a new generation of professionals who will play an essential role in meeting the region's healthcare needs.

According to Skoobuzz, this initiative also underscores the importance of prioritizing the well-being of students and ensuring they are prepared to excel in their careers. As midwifery shortages continue to strain healthcare systems, investments like these are essential to preserving the quality and accessibility of maternal care across the UK.