When the coronavirus pandemic struck midwifery students from Swansea University stepped up to lend their support to frontline NHS colleagues.
Third year midwifery degree agreed to extend their clinical practice allowing them to assist qualified midwives to look after women and their families at maternity units in health boards across south Wales.
Among them was 25-year-old Angharad Colinese, from Gorseinon who was determined to do all she could to help her profession.
“Understandably I was worried when I heard about the outbreak and the effect it might have on the world, my family, my health and my degree.
“I was so close to qualifying as a midwife so I was concerned about how Covid-19 would impact on me being able to qualify on time.
“However, I came into the midwifery profession to try to help support women and families, and this is more important now than ever.
“I just hope by us increasing our practice hours will be able to help support our colleagues as best we can and as a result continue to deliver the best possible care to women and families.
“During the pandemic many of those working in the NHS are going above and beyond to help deliver the best possible care to those who need it often in challenging circumstances.”
Angharad went on to praise the University’s midwifery department for the support they had had received ahead of their decision to take up their extended placements.
“The staff really always do go above and beyond for their students.“
Professor Ceri Phillips, head of the College of Human and Health Sciences, said he was very proud at the contribution Angharad and her fellow students were prepared to make to help the NHS during the unprecedented situation.
