Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement of a new Maternity and Neonatal Oversight Panel, which will undertake a current state ‘rapid independent assessment’ of maternity services in Wales.

However, the RCM has cautioned that this assessment must strengthen and support the improvement work that is already underway, not derail it. Following the Welsh Government’s publication of the ‘New Standards for Maternity Care’ earlier this year the RCM says services and staff are already working hard to implement improvements.

Equally, the RCM has called for the lived experiences and voices of women and families who have suffered unbearable loss and to those who have received care that has fallen short of the high standard of quality maternity care to be central to this rapid assessment.

Commenting, RCM Cymru Director Julie Richards said:

“We welcome the Welsh Government’s ambitions to improve the safety and delivery maternity care for all women in Wales. This is something the RCM is absolutely committed to, and we are also pleased to have been able to contribute to both the maternity standards and the perinatal framework earlier this year and now to be named as a key stakeholder in this new independent assessment of services. Like so many staff working in maternity services and the women and families that use those services, we want to see swift improvements, which make for real lasting change. So, we are pleased that the Welsh Government has set a target for concluding this work by the end of the year, and reporting in January.”

The College has previously warned that the success of both the standards and perinatal framework are dependent on investment in maternity staff. It has been calling for a workforce plan to support the successful implementation of these plans and today has restated those calls.

Julie added:

“Currently midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) are doing all they can to embed the new recommendations so it’s vital they are given the support and time to do that. However, we remain concerned that our members are doing this in the face of midwifery staffing challenges that, in some services, are delaying much needed progress. Having met with the Chief Midwifery Officer for Wales, reviewed the terms of reference of this review and seen confirmation of its panel members we feel confident this is a positive step in the right direction. The focus on assessing maternity and neonatal services across Wales against the criteria within the National Quality Statement and Quality Standards is right. Identifying areas and services with good practice is just as important as examining those services that are of concern. The RCM believes that shared learning, from not only when things go right but when things go wrong needs to be a key part of improving our maternity services right across Wales. Listening to staff and acting upon their concerns has to be central to this review. Without it, we won’t see the change that we so desperately need.”

ENDS

To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk

Notes to Editors

• Written Statement: Establishment of a Maternity and Neonatal Oversight Panel (4 September 2025) | GOV.WALESRCM welcomes new standards for maternity care in Wales – Royal College of Midwives
• RCM Wales calls for more support for staff to deliver maternity safety improvements – Royal College of Midwives
• Consultant midwives crucial in drive to improve safety, says RCM Wales – Royal College of Midwives
• Making Maternity Services Safer Nurturing Positive Cultures
• How to stand up for high standards – Royal College of Midwives

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