03/02/2025 | News

Trust welcomes 35 new midwives

Forty births, 100 newborn examinations, 100 antenatal examinations and 100 postnatal examinations are just part of the requirements when training to become a midwife.

And for 35 newly-qualified midwives it means they’re now ready to embark on new careers having secured jobs at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to work across Colchester, Ipswich and Clacton hospitals as well as in the community.

Clare Moles is one of the 35 newly-qualified midwives who has successfully completed her training and is joining the Trust. Clare will be based at Colchester Hospital.

The mum-of-two decided to follow her passion to sign up for the three-year BSc degree course at Anglia Ruskin University and retrain as a midwife.

Clare said: “It’s a tough course but it’s what I wanted to do. The other midwives were so supportive to trainees and helping teach us too.

“I’m absolutely delighted I passed and so proud to say I’m a qualified midwife.”

Clare was working as a family support worker for a charity before she decided to retrain.

Woman in clinical uniform putting needle in orange
Clare practising injections using an orange while studying for her midwifery degree

She added: “I began volunteering on the postnatal ward at Colchester Hospital and volunteered for two years before I had to stop because of COVID. I know how important the support is and it was the breastfeeding support I received that helped me when I had my two girls. It all helped to drive me to want to become a midwife and support other families.”

Clare said she’s excited about beginning her new chapter and supporting other new parents.

Woman in clinical uniform
Stephanie Shipp

Stephanie Shipp will be joining Ipswich Hospital after completing her midwifery degree at the University of Suffolk.

After finishing sixth form she was working as a waitress before focusing on her passion to become a midwife.

She said: “I have always known I wanted to give back something. When I visited the midwifery unit it just felt right. I knew this was what I wanted to do.

“The training has been great and really inspired me. I also really enjoyed the placements. You build such a connection with the family.

“There are obviously challenges, but I feel ready for starting this exciting new stage in my career.”

Amanda Price-Davey is the director of midwifery at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

She said: “Congratulations to Clare, Stephanie and all the trainees who have completed their study and can begin work. We’re really excited to welcome so many new recruits to the team who are passionate about supporting families through the journey of pregnancy, birth and early pregnancy.”

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