Labour MP Maya Ellis, stood up in the House of Commons to urge the Government to hold a debate on “a dedicated midwifery strategy that recognises the profession’s unique contribution to maternity care, distinct from nursing.”

Earlier this week, RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton wrote to NHS England explaining the RCM’s decision not to participate in the consultation on its new nursing and midwifery strategy.

Gill said it was clear that the draft strategy was heavily skewed towards nursing, with midwifery tacked on as an afterthought.

Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said:

“It is very welcome to see midwifery recognised in Parliament in this way. Midwives play a unique and vital role in supporting women, babies and families, and that contribution must be reflected in a dedicated midwifery strategy.

“We are grateful to MP Maya Ellis for her support and for helping to ensure that midwifery is properly recognised at a national level. With a 10-year NHS plan, a workforce plan and incoming national maternity and neonatal taskforce, there has never been a more important time to develop a dedicated midwifery strategy. Simply tacking on ‘and midwifery’ to what appears to be a strategy for nursing, is unacceptable.

“A distinct strategy is essential if we are to give midwives the leadership and investment they need to deliver safe, high-quality care.”

Gill Walton and RCM Deputy Chief Midwife Hannah Leonard met with the MP for Ribble Valley during the recent Labour Party Conference.

The RCM will continue to work with MPs across Parliament, NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to secure a national midwifery strategy that recognises it as profession in its own right, and gives it the standing, investment and support it deserves.