Regulator withdraws midwifery programme accreditation

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has withdrawn its accreditation of the midwifery programme at a Kent university due to fears over quality and safety.

The regulator highlighted concerns that Canterbury Christ Church University students were not gaining the expertise needed to deliver safe, effective and kind care.

An NMC director said the decision was made in the “best interests of women, babies, and families”.

The university said the decision had “devastating consequences” for their student midwives.

“Our absolute priority is the wellbeing of our students and staff, and ensuring that our students can continue to complete their studies and begin their future careers, to be the high quality, much needed midwives that this region needs,” a university spokesperson said.

Sam Foster, NMC executive director of professional practice, said while the decision would impact students and the local workforce, the regulator's role was to uphold the high standards that “women and families have the right to expect”.

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Source: BBC News, 4 May 2023