Encouraging improvements in maternity services, but still work to do says RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the results of a national survey by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which shows that women’s experiences of maternity care are improving in some areas despite the challenges facing services and staff. The RCM says it’s pleased to see an increase in the levels of perinatal mental […]
‘Improving pay part of solution to recruitment and retention crisis,’ RCM tells Pay Review Body
‘Paying staff fairly and valuing the skilled work they do is an important part of the solution to the maternity staffing crisis.’ That’s what the RCM has told the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) this week, in its written evidence submission for the 2025/26 pay round for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The RCM is […]
Guernsey’s changing demographic could add complexity to maternity services, warns RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has praised the state of maternity services in Guernsey but has called on the Bailiwick to continue to invest in them so they continue to meet the needs of the island’s population. Releasing its Guernsey State of Maternity Services report today, the RCM has found that, although the number […]
Increased tuition fees will fuel shortage of midwives, warns RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has warned the Government that the increase of 3.1% in tuition fees, announced today, could exacerbate the existing crisis that is already seeing student midwives being forced out of their chosen career due to financial pressures. Although the uplift is matched with a 3.1% increase in maintenance loans, this […]
Latest CQC State of Care report must prompt urgent action, says RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has again called on the Government and NHS England to take urgent action to resolve and remedy the challenges faced by maternity services. The RCM was reacting to the Care Quality Commission’s latest State of Care report, released today. Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said: “So much […]
Action urgently needed to eliminate disparities in maternal health
Expressing shock and sorrow at the unacceptable disparities and maternal outcomes for Black, Asian and minority ethnic women is not enough: we all must act. This is the call from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) as it launches Decolonising Midwifery Practice. The position statement sets out what is needed to support maternity services and […]
Consultation opened on job evaluation matching profiles for midwifery bands 7 and above
Earlier this year the RCM consulted on revisions to the job evaluation matching profile for midwifery – bands 4, 5 and 6. Now the NHS Job Evaluation Group is consulting on proposed revisions for midwifery – bands 7 and above. This follows calls from the RCM having highlighted that the current profiles haven’t been reviewed […]
Derby student midwife wins prestigious award for leadership qualities
A “shining star” student midwife from the University of Derby has won the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) prestigious Student Midwife of the Year award for her work as an ambassador for midwifery students. Kayty Richards, who is neurodiverse and has a young family, was nominated for the award after demonstrating courage in standing up for […]
Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust receives award for its outstanding triage service
The maternity assessment unit at the Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust has won a prestigious award from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) for its maternity triage system. The Safety and Quality of Care award recognises an individual or team which has developed or led a specific project, change or innovation in practice with proven […]
Renfrew report must be catalyst for much needed change, says RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has said it’s ‘hopeful’ the long-awaited Renfrew Report will bring about a much-needed reset of midwifery services in Northern Ireland. Welcoming the report’s publication, the RCM said listening, understanding, and acting on the experiences of women and midwifery staff must be the driving force for change. However, the RCM […]