state of maternity services
Every few years, we publish a report into the State of Maternity Services for each of the four nations. These set out the challenges and opportunities facing midwifery and MSW practice, based on information and input from our members as well as national and regional statistics.
England
The 2023 report sets out the impact of staffing shortages on burnout and maternity safety.
Scotland
The 2023 report calls for more investment to ensure changes in the physical, mental and social health needs of pregnant women can be supported.
Wales
The 2023 report calls for a renewed focus on workforce and staffing levels. The report is also available in Welsh.
Northern Ireland
The 2023 report calls on Northern Ireland politicians to move forward with the long-awaited maternity strategy.
Guernsey
The 2024 report sets out the impact of staffing shortages on burnout and maternity safety.
State of Midwifery Education
The ability to recruit new midwives is almost entirely dependent on a strong midwifery education sector. In its 2023 report, the RCM warned that this will be severely undermined unless substantial and sustained investment is made.
State of UK Midwifery Finance Report
Financial wellbeing is one of the most challenging issues facing midwifery students in today’s cost of living crisis. Across the UK, students have told the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) that
they are considering leaving their studies due to financial pressure, while others have already left their course because they could not afford to continue.