VUW midwifery degree gets underway

Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) midwifery students are now undertaking their clinical placements, after being deferred due to COVID-19. The first year midwifery students were about to undertake their first clinical placements in March, when COVID-19 hit.

This is the first year that VUW have run this degree, which aims to prepare students for their future in midwifery. The new programme will see the number of student midwives working clinically within maternity facilities at CCDHB increase significantly, with the programme accepting 40 first-year students.

"This is an important step for midwifery and the DHB as there is an international and national shortage of midwives," says Carolyn Coles, director of midwifery at CCDHB.

"VUW's midwifery campus is located on CCDHB premises, ensuring that we have close working relationships. Collaboration with VUW by local Māori and Pacific midwives is also serving to strengthen those professional relationships."

Students will complete their programme at the end of 2024 and will be able to enter the profession as DHB-employed midwives or set themselves up as self-employed lead maternity carers.

"Whichever option these students choose will benefit the profession and women of the Wellington region," says Carolyn.

To find out more about this course go to wgtn.ac.nz/bmid.