RCM Chief Exec warns MPs of ‘fragile’ maternity workforce
Without greater efforts to retain existing staff and recruit new ones, the maternity workforce will remain fragile. That was the stark warning to MPs yesterday by Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Chief Executive Gill Walton. The warning came as Gill gave evidence to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee which is […]
Monitoring May
Midwives NHS MSWs – Maternity Support Workers Caring For You campaign Caring For You Charter Race matters Appropriate fetal monitoring during labour and birth is vital for the health and wellbeing of mother and baby alike. For Monitoring May, midwife and founder of the National Fetal Monitoring network Sarah Blackwell outlines the activities taking place […]
Report shows racial disparities remain in maternity care for Black and Asian pregnant women
A report into racial disparities in maternity care by Birthrights shows Black and Asian women are still being ignored or not believed when talking about their pregnancy and care. It shows they are also facing racism from caregivers, less choice in their care and have experienced coercion in maternity services. The report recommends that more […]
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week
Midwives NHS MSWs – Maternity Support Workers Caring For You campaign Caring For You Charter Race matters Perinatal mental health (PMH) is the principal term for mental ill health during pregnancy and the first postnatal year. It can be defined by either an existing mental health illness or a condition that arises during pregnancy or […]
NMC annual data report shows an increase in midwives leaving the register
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) annual data report shows that there has been an increase in the number of midwives leaving the register. Compared to March 2021, the number of midwives leaving the register increased by approximately 10 per cent in March 2022. The number of dual registrants (nurse and midwife) leaving the register […]
RCM calls for re-doubling of efforts to end racism in the NHS
Safe and high-quality maternity care is the right of all women but for too many this is not the case because of the colour of their skin says the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). The RCM statement comes as a report into racial injustice and human rights in UK maternity care is published today by […]
Falling NHS midwife numbers show worrying trend says the RCM
Despite an overall increase In the number of midwives on its register the Nursing and Midwifery Council – the UK midwifery regulator – has in a report today raised concerns about the numbers leaving. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) echoes its concerns and says the number of midwives working in the NHS is also falling […]
Report sets out vision for safe, effective and accessible medicines for pregnant women
A report produced by the University of Birmingham lays out a road map of providing safe, effective and accessible medicine to pregnant women. The report ‘The Healthy Mum, Healthy Baby, Healthy Future: The Case for UK Leadership in the Development of Safe, Effective and Accessible Medicines for Use in Pregnancy’ was launched in the House […]
Deliver a Decent Deal. Take action. We deserve better.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) along with the TUC and all NHS unions will come together on Saturday 18 June in Central London to take the Deliver a Decent Deal pay campaign to the streets and we want you to join us. Whether it be the cost of living crisis, the impact of the pandemic, […]
RCM survey highlights pressures experienced by Midwives in Scotland
The RCM Scottish Survey Report 2022 has found significant challenges midwives in Scotland are facing, sparking concerns about safety in maternity services. RCM members in Scotland were invited to take part in the survey which found safety, low staffing and stress some of the biggest issues among members. The survey results found that 88% of […]