From advanced data analytics, predicting and prevent complications in pregnancy, to AI-driven tools that support clinicians in making informed decisions, maternity services across the capital exemplify the potential benefits of a digital approach to healthcare.

As the NHS develops its 10-Year health plan, midwives prove integral in delivering the three shifts this strategy is built around, including making better use of technology across NHS services.

Nina Khazaezadeh, 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, as 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.”

Victoria Mustafa, Quality, Safety and Digital Lead, from the London regional maternity team, witnesses firsthand how critical innovation is in addressing the challenges faced by expectant mothers and their babies.

She said: “I believe digital technology will continue to play a transformative role in the NHS, particularly in maternity services. We’re already seeing the benefits of digital tools in enhancing patient safety, streamlining workflows, and providing more personalised care.

“With increasing scrutiny on maternity services, I feel a strong responsibility to contribute to meaningful solutions. This led me to pursue an MSc in Digital Healthcare and I was also accepted onto NHS England’s Digital Health Leadership Programme.”

This digital skills programme has equipped midwives like Victoria with the capacity to drive large-scale digital change and transformation across the healthcare system.

Victoria continued: “My clinical background has been invaluable in shaping my approach to digital transformation. Nursing and midwifery have given me a deep understanding of patient centred care and the challenges that frontline healthcare workers face daily.

“This allows me to advocate for solutions, that are not only technologically advanced, but also practical and user centred. Looking ahead, I see a future where digital health technologies become fully integrated into everyday care.”

Innovations in digital technology empower both healthcare professionals and patients and build towards a safer and more inclusive future for maternity services.

So far this year, nearly 5,000 applicants living in London put themselves forward to become part of this mission, consistent with annual average of 5,100 applicants since 2019.*

On top of this, qualified London nurses’ retention levels are high with the current annual turnover rate at just 8.4%, and with a total headcount of nearly 6,000** midwives across the capital.

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.”

Future midwives are dedicated to improving maternity care not only in London, but across the nation. Since 2012, the average number of midwifery students per UK university has increased by 68%.***

A midwifery degree offers hands-on, world-class training where students can make a difference through a range of different placements while they are learning. Places are still available to study midwifery at a range of universities across the country, and students could receive at least £5,000 a year to support their studies.

Search ‘NHS midwifery Careers’ to find out more.

ENDS

Hear more from Nina and other NHS London senior midwifery and nursing colleagues, here.

*Information provided by UCAS, which shows the number of applicants who applied before the January Equal Consideration Deadline (The UCAS equal consideration deadline was 29 January 2025).

**Represents the workforce at 28^th Feb 2025

***Information from Royal College of Midwifery