The Royal College of Midwives has responded to Baroness Amos’s interim report, as part of her independent review into maternity and neonatal services in England.

The Royal College of Midwives, Chief Executive, Gill Walton said:

“This report is deeply harrowing to read. The experiences of families who have suffered harm or loss are at the heart of it and we owe it to them to ensure that this time findings are acted upon urgently.

“For years the RCM has argued that staffing and funding are not keeping pace with the growing complexity of maternity care and these findings reinforce that. Even Trusts meeting recognised staffing targets may not have safe staffing in practice. Without ring-fenced investment in the workforce and infrastructure midwives will not be able to deliver the safe care women and babies deserve.

“We are also deeply troubled by the findings on racism and discrimination, experienced both by women using services and by the staff working in them. This is not a secondary issue – tackling racism and discrimination is fundamental to improving outcomes for all women.

“Midwives want to deliver safe, compassionate and personalised care to every woman and her baby. Baroness Amos’ interim report shows just how hard the system makes it.”