HCL Permanent Offer Solution to UK's Spiralling Birth Rate

LONDON, ENGLAND, January 25, 2013 (Press-News.org) Hospitals are struggling to cope with the sheer volume of expectant mothers as the UK experiences its highest birth rate in over 40 years.

HCL Permanent Managing Director Stephen Hockey says the shortage of trained and qualified maternity services staff and midwifes within the NHS is a serious, ongoing issue that needs immediate address.

"As an organisation, we understand the pressure trusts are under to source the right staff to cope with sheer demand under current budget constraints. As a solution, HCL Permanent is currently sourcing qualified maternity services staff and midwives from Europe to fill permanent posts in hospitals in the UK." Mr Hockey said.

"By utilising HCL Permanent, trusts are able to use their internal resources where they are most needed - frontline patient care. It also reduces spend on agency staff and increases retention," he said.

Released Tuesday, the State of Maternity Services Report outlines the extent of issue, with RCM Chief Executive Cathy Warwick stating England alone has a shortfall of 5000 midwives, and that 'anxiety and concern' continues to surround the current shortage.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) projects the UK birth rate could reach 743,000 by 2014, an increase of 8% on 2011 figures. Notably, the highest rise was amongst women aged 40, a group more likely to require medical intervention.

"Providing stability to trusts and continuity of patient care is core to our business model. Our European maternity services staff and midwives undergo vigorous screening, training and in-depth compliancy checks so we can stand behind each placement we make."

For any further information, contact HCL Communications and PR Manager Laura Ackland on +44
(0) 207 451 1448.

About HCL plc
HCL plc, headquartered in London, was formed in 2003 and is a leading provider of staffing solutions in the health and social care sectors. HCL supplies over 2,000 temporary and permanent doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, qualified social workers and administration & clerical staff to public and private sectors every week. We are an international company with offices in the UK and Australia and recruitment drives in Europe. For more information please visit our website at www.hclplc.com, view our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HCLplc.