Maternity care in Northern Ireland is facing a crisis due to an increase in the birth rate and lack of staff, the Royal College of Midwives has warned.
Maternity care in Northern Ireland is facing a crisis due to an increase in the birth rate and lack of staff, the Royal College of Midwives has warned.
The number of babies born in Northern Ireland last year rose to 24,000 - 2,000 more than the previous year.
The number of babies born in Northern Ireland last year rose to 24,000 - 2,000 more than the previous year.
Breda Hughes, from the RCM, said staffing levels had not increased to cope with the extra workload.
Breda Hughes, from the RCM, said staffing levels had not increased to cope with the extra workload.
"They are concerned about the quality of care, about staffing levels and about pay," she said.
"They are concerned about the quality of care, about staffing levels and about pay," she said.
"We've had a rise of 2,000 births in two years, that's a lot in a small county like Northern Ireland, with no rise in the number of midwives working in the service."
"We've had a rise of 2,000 births in two years, that's a lot in a small county like Northern Ireland, with no rise in the number of midwives working in the service."
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