Health · 20 July 2026

Younger midwives leaving NHS in England at higher rate due to burnout

More midwives under 35 are quitting the NHS in England because of burnout, worsening staffing issues in maternity units. In 2025-26, departures by midwives aged 34 or under totalled 1,669, accounting for over half of all resignations. Midwife departures rose 59% since 2014-15, meaning three-quarters of midwives considered leaving last year.

By BriefTea Editorial · 20 July 2026 at 11:22

Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs

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