Maternity staff and pregnant women let down by ‘inconsistent and confused’ advice from Government and NHS
The Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) today told the COVID-19 inquiry of the pressure and distress caused to maternity staff and the women in their care during the pandemic. Gill Walton, who has led the College since 2017, said the lack of central and consistent information for maternity staff and pregnant […]
Act now to end the postcode lottery of perinatal mental health services says RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has called on the new Government to act now to end the postcode lottery of perinatal mental health service provision across the UK. The call comes as the RCM responds to a new report from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) which shows that services across the country are […]
RCM urges members in Wales to have their say on pay award
RCM urges members in Wales to have their say on pay award The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is calling on all its members working in NHS in Wales to have their say on the 5.5% pay award announced by Wales First Minister Eluned Morgan earlier this month. The call comes as the RCM today […]
RCM members in Scotland vote to accept pay offer
RCM members in Scotland vote to accept pay offer Midwives and maternity care assistants (MCAs) working in the NHS in Scotland have voted to accept a 5.5% pay offer. The RCM’s consultation with its members resulted in 83 percent of eligible members voting to accept the offer, saying it was a step towards addressing long […]
Learning from maternity incidents must be prioritised says RCM as it responds to latest CQC report
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has called on the Government to act quickly and effectively to improve maternity safety, following a new report from the Care Quality Commission. Services should be better supported to learn not only from where things go wrong, but learning from best practice too. The CQC said they have seen […]
Midwife recruitment hit by student finance pressures
Financial pressures are forcing student midwives out of their chosen career, with increasing numbers leaving their courses before completion because they simply can’t afford to continue. These are the stark findings of The State of UK Midwifery Student Finance, a new report published today (16 September) by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). With clinical […]
RCM responds to Darzi Report
In July 2024, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care commissioned Lord Darzi to conduct an immediate and independent investigation of the NHS. The rapid review was completed in nine weeks and the report was published today (12 September). Commenting on the Darzi Report, Royal College of Midwives Chief Executive Gill Walton said: […]
RCM welcomes long overdue pay announcement for midwives in Wales
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Wales has welcomed First Minister Eluned Morgan’s announcement of a 5.5% pay award for its members in Wales. After months of waiting the RCM says it’s pleased the Welsh Government has accepted the recommendations of the Pay Review Body (PRB) which means midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) […]
Y Fantais Gymraeg i Undebau – The Welsh Advantage for Unions
The RCM is working with TUC Cymru and other unions in Wales to recognise, support, safeguard and grow Welsh-speaking union membership across Wales. Following the TUC Cymru Congress in May this year, the RCM committed to promote the take-up of the ‘Cynnig Cymraeg’ (the Welsh offer). The RCM joined TUC Cymru at the Eisteddfod on […]
Long overdue pay offer finally arrives for midwives in England
Months of waiting, a change of Government and finally the announcement of the long overdue pay rise for midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) in England has arrived. The Government’s announcement of a 5.5%, above inflation pay award has been welcomed by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) – but they also said that staff […]