Rising numbers of younger midwives quitting NHS in England, data shows
During 2025-26 a total of 1,669 midwives aged 34 or under left the health service in England – more than half of the 2,949 midwives of all ages who resigned. Photograph: Jeff Moore/PAView image in fullscreenDuring 2025-26 a total of 1,669 midwives aged 34 or under left the health service in England – more than half of the 2,949 midwives of all ages who resigned. The 2025-26 figure was 59% higher than the 1,051 who left in 2014-15, NHS figures show.In addition, almost one in four midwifery students are dropping out before they finish their three-year degree course, according to separate figures obtained by the Lib Dems.
- ▪During 2025-26 a total of 1,669 midwives aged 34 or under left the health service in England – more than half of the 2,949 midwives of all ages who resigned.
- ▪Photograph: Jeff Moore/PAView image in fullscreenDuring 2025-26 a total of 1,669 midwives aged 34 or under left the health service in England – more than half of the 2,949 midwives of all ages who resigned.
- ▪The 2025-26 figure was 59% higher than the 1,051 who left in 2014-15, NHS figures show.In addition, almost one in four midwifery students are dropping out before they finish their three-year degree course, according to separate figures obta
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| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jul/20/younger-midwives-nhs-england-burnout-maternity-staffing |
| Publication time | Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:00:49 GMT |
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During 2025-26 a total of 1,669 midwives aged 34 or under left the health service in England – more than half of the 2,949 midwives of all ages who resigned. Photograph: Jeff Moore/PAView image in fullscreenDuring 2025-26 a total of 1,669 midwives aged 34 or under left the health service in England – more than half of the 2,949 midwives of all ages who resigned. Photograph: Jeff Moore/PAMidwiferyRising numbers of younger midwives quitting NHS in England, data showsExclusive: Maternity staffing shortages worsen as more and more under-35s quit because of burnoutDenis Campbell Health policy editorMon 20 Jul 2026 01.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMore and more midwives are leaving the NHS before they reach 35 because of burnout, worsening the staffing problems that are affecting…
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