Understaffing has left many midwives in Scotland fearful they are not providing safe care as one said she feels like she is “screaming into a void” due to the lack of acknowledgement from the Scottish Government.
The number of nurses and midwives registered in Scotland has risen by 280 in the past year, taking the total number to a record 71,802.
However, midwives have told Scotland on Sunday the increase is “nowhere near” demand levels as they are concerned about the safety of care they provide.
A recent survey of Scottish members from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) found half of respondents say they rarely have enough staff to provide safe care.
Lara*, a midwife at a health board in Scotland, said she has suffered from stress and suicidal thoughts as she feels unable to provide the right care due to the staffing crisis.
The 29-year-old said women are facing delays to their pregnancy care as a result of the shortage.
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