Midwives across Lincolnshire say pressures are leading to safety concerns
Many are working unpaid overtime just to cope
A survey has revealed 90 percent of midwifes in Lincolnshire feel staffing levels are unsafe.
The study highlights safety concerns and excessive workloads with the vast majority doing unpaid overtime .
Nearly half of those responding to the survey say they're constantly facing unrealistic time pressures.
They love their jobs but they're under enormous pressure
Liz Cummings is from the Royal College of Midwives that covers Lincolnshire and Newark.
We spoke to her and she said:
"We estimate around a hundred thousand extra hours a year are worked by midwives that are unpaid and they feel frustrated that sometimes they feel so much under pressure they feel it isn't going as well as they think it should be."
"They love their jobs but they are under an enormous amount of pressure due to their conditions at work."
"They feel quite frustrated and concerned about delivering good care for their women and their families."
The overall NHS workforce has grown about ten times faster than the number of midwives
"Since the last general election the number of midwives has not risen at the same rate as the rest of the NHS workforce."
"If it had done we would be 3 thousand midwives better off than we are today."
"The overall NHS workforce has grown about ten times faster than the number of midwives."
Health Secretary Steve Barclay says he understands the pressures and is willing to discuss issues.
He also thanked all midwives for their efforts.