It is believed to be the first time the regulator has taken action against a midwifery degree.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has withdrawn approval of the midwifery program at Canterbury Christ Church University.
The decision was made following serious concerns over the safe delivery of the university’s midwifery program. There have been no concerns raised about the safety of the university’s undergraduate nursing course.
It is believed to be the first time the regulator has taken action against a midwifery degree.
The NMC says it took the decision amid concerns the course is not equipping midwifery students to meet statutory requirements. With particular concern about students not gaining the skills and expertise to deliver safe, effective and kind care.
The decision means that from next week, the midwifery programme at Canterbury Christ Church University will no longer lead to registration as a midwife in the UK.
It is not known how many students are affected by the decision.
Protecting women, babies and families.
The NMC says it did not take the decision lightly but the university should later reapply for approval.
Sam Foster, Executive Director of Professional Practice at the NMC, said: “After very careful consideration, and in the best interests of women, babies, and families, we’ve made a final decision to withdraw approval of the midwifery programme at Canterbury Christ Church University.
“We understand this is a significant decision which will have a huge impact on the students affected and the local workforce. However, as the UK’s midwifery regulator, our role is to protect the public and uphold the high standards of midwifery practice that women and families have the right to expect.
“Our standards set out the proficiencies every midwife must have from the time they graduate and join our register. We work with education institutions to ensure students are appropriately supported and trained to provide high-quality care. We can withdraw approval when we’re no longer assured these standards are being met.
“Our full attention now turns to working with the university and NHS England on plans to support the affected students to continue their education at another institution.”
