Strategic perinatal workforce plan
We are leading on the development of the strategic perinatal workforce plan to recruit, retain, train and transform the current and future perinatal workforce in NHS Wales.
The term perinatal has been used instead of maternity and neonatal based on feedback from colleagues who feel that a change is needed in terminology to ensure the team are considered as one.
“The Maternity and Neonatal Workforce Plan Consultation Wales” was held for six weeks between 2nd September to 11th October 2024. We have engaged with approximately 11% of the Perinatal workforce. This has been achieved through attendance at our webinars, completion of our feedback forms, and email correspondence.
Strong, Missing or Wrong?
Initial analysis shows that the workforce supports the proposed actions with a high percentage of “Strong” responses.
Emerging themes from our thematic analysis
1. Developing a positive, inclusive, learning culture and investing in staff retention are essential for workforce stability.
2. Ensuring supervision meets professional standards and supports career development.
3. A multi-professional approach is widely supported and essential for effective care.
4. A unified system for learning and flexible working across health board boundaries would enhance service delivery.
5. Support worker development and training were seen as important, especially across the perinatal pathway.
6. Education on digital capability is essential for staff at all levels.
7. Compassionate leadership is crucial for retaining staff, encouraging new recruits, and improving outcomes.
8. Leadership roles should be inclusive of all professions to ensure a diverse and skilled workforce.
9. The development of career pathways for enhanced, advanced, and consultant practice roles is necessary to meet changing population health needs.
10. Administrative and clerical roles are crucial for supporting clinical staff and improving patient experiences.
Next Steps
We are now conducting a detailed thematic analysis of the feedback and considering key stakeholder opinion which will allow for refinement of the actions within the plan. Once completed the actions will be prioritised and costed, so that we can move into the implementation phase of the plan. Moving forward, our webpage will be regularly updated with our progress.
Thank you for being an integral part of this important initiative.
HEIW’s Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Transformation Team.
For further information please email HEIW.PerinatalWorkforcePlan@wales.nhs.uk