In July 2024, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care commissioned Lord Darzi to conduct an immediate and independent investigation of the NHS. The rapid review was completed in nine weeks and the report was published today (12 September).

Commenting on the Darzi Report, Royal College of Midwives Chief Executive Gill Walton said:

“The Darzi Report identifies many of the big issues within the NHS, but once again maternity care does not get the high profile it deserves.

While some areas of the NHS will be praising this report and its findings, capacity remains a major concern among our members. The midwifery community wants to provide the best quality, safest care to women and families but they can’t do that if they are having to fight for crumbs from the table.”

“The new Health Secretary, Wes Streeting MP, said that of all of the issues that keep him awake at night, maternity safety is top of the list, so we remain optimistic and hopeful that our new government understand these pressing issues and will put the safety of mothers and babies, and of midwifery staff at the top of his list. All we’re asking is that every maternity service has the right staff in the right place at the right time.”

ENDS

About the RCM

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team.  We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team.