NHS Western Isles has welcomed an initiative that will let nurses in the Highlands and Islands become qualified midwives in just 20 months.
The new £500,000 pilot scheme for a shortened mid wifery programme will be available to local registered adult nurses and those from further afield who wish to study at the University of Highlands and Islands and then work in the region. It is being delivered in conjunction with NHS Highland and NHS Western Isles.
The programme will start in January next year with the Scottish Government funding tuition fees for 20 students, providing bursary support for those currently not in employment – about £6,500 per student – and, along with the NHS boards, fund salary costs of existing employees undertaking the training.