All signs point to Moray for newly qualified midwives 

Every year, NHS Grampian welcomes a number of newly qualified midwives into the fold and this year is no exception. 

Leah Hobson (21), Suina Rogers (40) and Mairead Harrington (36) have all joined the team at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin in the midst of creating an enhanced, sustainable maternity service for Moray. 

While Leah was born at Dr Gray’s herself and loves the idea of working in the place where she came into the world, Suina and Mairead were attracted to the area from other parts of the UK. All agree there’s something special about supporting women at one of the most important times in their lives, and that there’s nowhere quite like the supportive team at Dr Gray’s. 

Mairead is originally from Derry in Northern Ireland and moved to Scotland more than 10 years ago on her first posting with the Royal Air Force. She commented: “Scotland has my heart now and is my home. When I got pregnant in 2017 my community midwife was such an amazing woman, fiery and passionate about midwifery care. I was lucky to have continuity with the same midwives during my next pregnancy and that meant a lot to me as I had no family nearby. 

“These women inspired a massive change of career with two small babies in tow. I'm enjoying being a newly qualified midwife working within the community team that made me want to do this job in the first place. I would never have imagined it when I moved here, but I’m proud of it. It's been a full circle moment!”

Leah, who was inspired to become a midwife after becoming an auntie, aged 9, said: “I’ve always lived in Elgin. I did a few placements here as a student and have never experienced a more positive and communicative team anywhere else. My confidence is growing within such a brilliant team and I’m improving my practice each shift.”

Suina grew up in Bridge of Weir and moved to Hopeman six years ago to be closer to family. Starting out in midwifery having worked in customer service and management for many years, she explained: “I've grown up with two of my closest childhood friends becoming midwives and my family members working in the healthcare profession. I am enjoying supporting women and their families, and it’s a privilege to work in partnership with women from the community I live in, building strong trusting relationships. 

“Being part of Team Moray has been exceptionally supportive. I value the collaborative environment that helps me develop both professionally and personally. The strong teamwork enhances the quality of care we provide to women and their families.”

Jane Gill, Programme Director for the NHS Grampian and NHS Highland Maternity Collaborative Moray Maternity Programme, who has been leading on the recruitment drive which will make the delivery of round-the-clock consultant-led care at Dr Gray’s possible, added: “The fantastic community spirit at Dr Gray’s is plain for all to see and I’m very proud. The comments from our newly qualified midwives are testament to my wonderful colleagues working with families day-in, day-out at the same time as helping all of our trainees and new recruits find their feet. Thank you.”

Find out more about working and living in the North of Scotland: www.wishyouworkedhere.scot