Age is no barrier to an NHS career says Ormskirk midwife
An Ormskirk midwife who made a bold decision to train for a new career as a midwife in her late 30s has never looked back.
Wendy Barrow worked as a PA for Senior Managers and Executives at Whiston Hospital before taking the decision to train to become a midwife at the age of 38.
After securing a newly qualified position at the age of 41, she has now been in the role for 20 years and loves it.
Wendy said "I actually loved my PA job and worked alongside some great people.
“My youngest son was in the creche at Whiston Hospital and his 'best friend' was the son of the Antenatal Ward Manager. I mentioned I was considering a change of career and she suggested midwifery would be a great career for me.
“I thought about it for quite a while, as I certainly was not unhappy in my job and had to make sure if I made the move, it was the right one for me. One highlight was being voted Secretary of the Year for St Helens & Knowsley Hospitals Trust. After some volunteering and talking to lots of people, I decided it was time to make the change.
“I was offered several newly qualified midwifery jobs but chose Ormskirk and have been here ever since. It was a great decision and I’ve never looked back. ‘’
Taking the story further, Wendy said: "I love being a midwife. It is extremely rewarding but it can be tough at times and our job is to make sure all our mums and families get the best experience possible and I believe we do that very well here, we have a great maternity team.
"I enjoy working with the new mums and mums-to-be and doing all I can for them.
“I particularly enjoy performing the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination and passing on my experience to student midwives, new midwives and doctors, helping them to provide the best care too. I know I came into the profession late, but I am so glad I did."