An NHS trust's first "home-grown" midwives have made their dreams of bringing new life into the world a reality.

Abbie Hadlow and Charlotte Slater, both 30, are the first maternity support workers (MSW) at Medway NHS Foundation Trust to complete a midwifery degree apprenticeship.

In January 2020, the pair were among the first group of students, employed at NHS trusts across Kent and London, to start the three-year course, offered through the trust, in partnership with Greenwich University Medway Campus.

It involved 50% academic work and 50% practical placement on a maternity unit.

They carried out their placements at Medway Maritime Hospital and the degree involved working in all areas of maternity and gaining experience in each setting, working alongside a practice supervisor to guide and help them.

Abbie, who lives in Sittingbourne, worked as an MSW at the trust for a year before applying for the degree apprenticeship.

She said: "I knew becoming a midwife was my goal even before I applied to become a maternity support worker so when the midwifery degree apprenticeship came up, thanks to my experience in the care setting, I knew I was ready to put my experience and knowledge to the test and pursue my dream of becoming a midwife.

“The trust’s organisational development team was behind me every step of the way though offering support, a shoulder to cry on through difficult shifts, guidance and encouragement.

"Becoming a qualified midwife was a childhood ambition for me..."

“I am excited about starting my new role as a qualified midwife and getting my feet firmly on the ground.

“To anybody thinking of doing an apprenticeship I would say go for it!

"It's a great way to learn alongside colleagues that you know and in an area that you are familiar with.

"The university and the trust have been so supportive – I cannot thank them enough for the opportunities they have given me!”

Charlotte had worked at the trust as an MSW for two years before applying for the degree apprenticeship. She said: "Becoming a qualified midwife was a childhood ambition for me.

"I would not have been able to financially afford to go to university as an adult but thanks to the trust offering the midwifery degree apprenticeship I was able to achieve my goal while being financially secure.

“I received a lot of support, especially from my colleagues in the antenatal department, and I will forever be grateful to them.

"I hope to progress my career with the trust and become a Band 6 midwife in the future.”

Evonne Hunt, chief nursing officer at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Congratulations to Abbie and Charlotte for becoming the trust’s first home-grown midwives after they successfully completed the midwifery degree apprenticeship, which we are very proud to offer.

“Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, I’m pleased to say they were still able to continue with their placements here at the trust and their studies through virtual classrooms.

“The midwifery degree apprenticeship, which is open to maternity support workers or adult nurses, offers a different route into the profession.

"In addition it provides the trust with a fantastic opportunity to develop its existing staff and create home grown midwives, both of which will help us to deliver the best of care to women both before, during and after the birth of their child.”