Proud to be…
In the run-up to International Day of the Midwife in May, the RCM launched the #proudtobe campaign to celebrate midwives, maternity support workers (MSWs), student midwives and maternity educators across the UK. It’s a bold campaign that recognises the unity of maternity teams and the strength of individuals, and its relevance extends far beyond a […]
Bringing the queen into play
It’s common knowledge that in chess, you should never underestimate the power of a well-placed pawn. It’s a lesson in never giving up because even the smallest actions can have huge consequences, and you never know when you might turn the tide. This is particularly poignant in a year where the UK maternity profession is […]
Turn on, tune in
When the NHS 10-year plan for England was published in the summer of 2025, transferring healthcare to digital was one of its three key shifts. “New technology will liberate staff from admin and allow people to manage their care as easily as they bank or shop online,” the ambition read. While it sounds wholly optimistic, […]
Creating a bond
More than one in five women and birthing people will face a mental health challenge during pregnancy and after birth, according to the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, and suicide continues to be a leading cause of death for women between six weeks and one year after giving birth. That’s why perinatal mental health specialists in maternity […]
Joined-up working
“As a profession, we’re entrenched in writing longhand notes – that’s why midwives love a free pen,” says Zoe Meneilly, deputy head of midwifery at the South Eastern Trust and chair of the expert working group for the Encompass digital platform. In November 2023, the South Eastern Trust was the first to go live with the […]
Come together
The right platform No longer does a community require close physical proximity. Digital networks allow colleagues to connect and share day-to-day support. For certain groups, such as those working in remote and rural settings, this is vital. During the COVID-19 lockdown particularly, student midwives unable to attend lectures or bond with their cohort relied on […]
Employment advice: On call
Lynne Galvin, RCM regional officer for north of England, discusses what happens when an employer changes ‘on call’ procedures Q: My employer expects us to be on call at busy times, even if it is during time off – what can we do? A: The RCM has a similar ongoing case, so it might be […]
Voice of a… midwifery clinical research manager
Sarah-Jayne Ambler at Medway NHS Foundation Trust was involved in a pilot of resources to improve maternity care for parents with learning disabilities I undertook a feasibility study for The Together Project, led by Dr Anna Cox at the University of Surrey. Through engagement with parents with learning disabilities, Anna had developed educational materials and tools for […]