Sally Davies

What were you doing before you came to study at City St George's?

Before coming to study at City St George's, I was studying an Access to Healthcare and Nursing course. I was also doing my Maths GCSE and gaining relevant experience working within the NHS. I did a Fine Art Foundation course after finishing school with the plans of being an illustrator. However, I decided to move to London instead and worked in the fashion industry.

How did you develop an interest in your course and why did you choose to study this course?

I always had a fascination with midwifery and becoming a midwife. However, I wasn't given support I needed in school to give me the confidence to pursue my interest. I became increasingly aware of women’s health inequalities, and women’s poor experiences of childbearing in my early twenties; I felt angry and disempowered about it all, I wasn’t enjoying my job and felt a strong urge to do something meaningful. My self-confidence had increased by this point as well – so I decided to quit my job, move back in with my parents in Kent and start applying for access courses.

Why did you choose to study at City St George's?

I chose to study at City St George's as it has excellent, well-respected teaching staff who contribute widely to research. I felt completely welcome and at ease on Open Days and at my interview. The lecturers largely have clinical experience as midwives, but also as scholars, so they are extremely understanding and supportive.

The course also offers an interesting and varied selection of modules and I feel that I build on my knowledge after each module, and then apply my learning to practice in a structured way. The examination process also combines essays, practical work, and exams, which I have felt well prepared for.

The placement hospitals affiliated with the university mean that students will gain excellent clinical experience and they’ll be ready for anything that their midwifery careers throw at them.

Studying at City St George's

What has been your favourite thing about studying this course?

My favourite thing about studying midwifery is that I am giving back and contributing positively to women’s experiences, I am working towards something I feel extremely passionate about and, making constructive change – I can see myself having a long career in midwifery and I’m already keen to apply for an MSc at City St George's!

Also starting the City St George's Midwifery Society has been a pleasure to plan and put on events for the other midwifery students.

What is your favourite thing about studying at City St George's?

I love the location! You’re close to Exmouth Market with all its great bars and restaurants, as well as all the other amazing food spots around Clerkenwell. Angel is also lovely and just a short walk up the hill – its full of lovely charity shops!

Especially the Oxfam bookshop which has a great Health section. Also, there are safe cycle routes all around the university. Northampton Square is a nice place to have your lunch in the spring and summer and there’s a little café.

How have you found the teaching and facilities on your course?

In the first year, I wasn’t really able to make use of the facilities at the university due to Covid-19. However, we’ve all been using the facilities a lot more this year and it’s been a very useful addition to my learning. We have Campus-Based Skills days (CBS) where we can practice midwifery skills such as vaginal examinations, cannulation , and neonatal resuscitation. We also have a clinical drop-in space, where you can request to practice certain skills and go through the theory and rationale with a lecturer. This is particularly useful before any summative assessments!

Where have you been on your clinical placements, and what have you enjoyed most about these experiences?

I am based at Homerton Healthcare Hospital in Hackney. It has a very busy maternity unit and serves a diverse population. I have had a great experience and feel that my learning is well supported. We work in the delivery suite, birth centre, postnatal and antenatal wards, as well as in the community. You also do nursing rotations in the second year which involve placements in A&E, operating theatres, wards, health visiting and much more.

What kind of things are you involved in outside of your course?

I am involved in running the Midwifery Society as the president. I also try to attend women’s health and midwifery-related talks and events to broaden my knowledge. I enjoy resting on my days off, catching up with friends, and seeing family.

Future plans

How will these experiences help you with your future career?

I feel that I am constantly being exposed to knowledge and experiences that will ensure I am a safe, knowledgeable, and compassionate practitioner. Placements are the biggest learning curve; and I think it’s where you really decide if this course is for you and the areas of midwifery you are interested in.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

Go on holiday! Lay on a beach in the sun with my boyfriend or my friends. Enjoy some lay-ins, then start applying for jobs! I’d also like to have a baby of my own!

What would be your advice to anyone considering studying this course?

Make yourself aware of the current climate in midwifery services, it’s hard out there! I think a lot of people come into midwifery with rose-tinted glasses, it’s definitely not all tea and cake and cuddling babies – although there is some of this!

I would try to get some healthcare exposure or ensure that you have some transferrable skills. Also, don’t bother buying all the kit – the resources are excellent in terms of textbooks and equipment etc. at the university! Do buy yourself a BIG water bottle, some very comfy shoes and a diary so you can reflect and read back – it’ll give you a boost to read back on the bad days. You’ve chosen an amazing career. Good luck!