Midwives Quitting NHS at Record Rates: Why Burnout Is Driving Exo 2026

The rising number of midwives quitting NHS roles before age 35 has reached crisis levels, driven by overwhelming burnout and unsafe staffing. New data from NHS England shows that 1,669 midwives aged 34 or under resigned in 2025-26, a 59% increase from 1,051 in 2014-15. This exodus threatens the quality and safety of maternity care for mothers and babies across the country.

Why Younger Midwives Are Leaving the NHS

The intense pressures of modern maternity services are pushing early-career midwives out. Factors include rising birth complexity, chronic understaffing, and insufficient support for new graduates. According to the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), three-quarters of midwives considered leaving the profession in the past year due to concerns over staffing levels and patient safety.

Breakdown of Leavers by Age Group

These figures, obtained via parliamentary questions, highlight that the problem is most acute among midwives in their late twenties and early thirties — those who have gained experience but cannot cope with the relentless demands.

The Student Midwife Pipeline Is Shrinking

Equally alarming, nearly one in four midwifery students are dropping out before completing their three-year degree. Of 3,565 students who began a midwifery degree in 2021, only 2,725 graduated in 2024 — a dropout rate of 24%. Since students spend the majority of their second and third years in clinical placements, the exposure to real-world pressures likely contributes to their decision to leave.

Key Takeaways on the NHS Midwife Crisis

• Burnout is the primary driver — younger midwives report emotional exhaustion and lack of support.
• Staff shortages worsen care — existing midwives are stretched thinner, increasing risks for mothers and babies.
• Student attrition adds to the crisis — nearly a quarter of trainees never qualify.
• The RCM calls it a “staffing emergency” — urgent government action is needed to improve retention and recruitment.

Impact on Maternity Services and Patients

When experienced midwives leave early, the remaining staff face higher patient-to-midwife ratios, longer shifts, and moral distress. This can lead to missed warning signs, delayed care, and lower birth satisfaction. The loss of midwives quitting NHS roles under 35 disrupts the mentorship pipeline, leaving new graduates without adequate guidance.

Maternity units already struggle to meet safe staffing guidelines. The RCM survey found that 87% of midwives believe their unit is understaffed. As more young midwives exit, the vicious cycle of overwork and attrition continues.

FAQ: Midwives Quitting NHS — Key Questions Answered

The midwives quitting NHS crisis shows no signs of easing. Without immediate action — including better working conditions, funding, and retention strategies — the quality of maternity care will continue to erode. Stakeholders must prioritize the wellbeing of both midwives and the families who depend on them.