Removing COVID sickness rules is another kick in the teeth for NHS staff says the RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has criticised the Government’s scrapping of sickness rules supporting NHS staff in England who contract COVID-19. Early in the pandemic new rules came in enabling special sick pay and arrangements for NHS staff off sick with COVID-19 or isolating because of it. From 7 July those rules were scrapped […]
‘No reputable evidence’ for progesterone use in ‘abortion reversal’, say medical organisations
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the British Society of Abortion Care Providers (BSACP) have published a joint position statement saying there is ‘no reputable evidence’ in the use of progesterone to ‘reverse’ an abortion. It comes after […]
RCM calls for improvements in staffing to enable better breastfeeding support

We must see improvements in breastfeeding support for disadvantaged women says the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). This comes as new research out today (1 July) from UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies shows that improving breastfeeding support for disadvantaged mothers may benefit their children’s cognitive development. Commenting on the research, Clare Livingstone, Professional Policy Advisor […]
RCM responds to mileage rate increase for members in Northern Ireland

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Northern Ireland says today’s confirmation of a mileage rate increase for midwives will provide some relief to the cost-of-living pressures. Health Minster Robin Swann announced that the increase will apply to all work-related car travel by Agenda for Change (AfC) staff, including Trust employed community midwives. Currently, rates […]
RCM welcomes new England Women’s Health Ambassador role
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the appointment of Dame Lesley Regan as the first ever Women’s Health Ambassador for England. Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said: “Dame Lesley Regan is a good friend of the RCM and a fervent champion for women’s health, and I heartily welcome her appointment. I […]
Four out of five NHS staff say pay is main reason they would quit their jobs

An exclusive poll of NHS staff has today (Friday) revealed that four out of five NHS health workers (80%) would quit the NHS over widespread concerns about their pay. Of those considering leaving, 79% say an inflation-busting pay rise would persuade them to stay. The results come as thousands of NHS workers plan to join […]
Midwives rally to the cause and demand better for workers in mass London protest

London will be alive to the sound of midwives, maternity support workers (MSW) and student midwives tomorrow as members of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) join thousands of other workers in a mass TUC rally in London. Hundreds of midwives and MSWs will be joining the TUC’s call for better pay, and more support […]
Not good enough says RCM Scotland on Government pay offer
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Scotland has responded to a pay offer of 5% for its members with anger and disappointment. The pay offer, which is well below inflation, is not enough to retain staff who have already had enough of years of pay increases that have not kept pace with inflation and the rising […]
Midwives unable to complete crucial training further highlights need to address midwife shortage
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has said findings that show midwives are undertaking training in their own time further shows the impact that midwife shortages are causing to staff across NHS maternity services. A survey by baby loss charity Sands published today has found that most midwives across 117 UK health Trusts and Boards […]
Need to increase efforts to reduce smoking in pregnancy says RCM

Reducing smoking in pregnancy is a key driver in reducing stillbirth rates and more effort is needed to keep pushing smoking rates down says the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). This comes as the Khan report into tobacco control is published today. The RCM contributed evidence to the report which outlines fifteen recommendations to have the […]