RCM ballots members on industrial action over on call arrangements
Midwives in South Tyneside and Sunderland are being balloted on industrial action over proposals for on call arrangements that would see them being ‘on call’ on their days off. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has described the proposals as ‘unsafe and grossly unfair’ which would effectively see midwives having their on call working hours […]
RCM welcomes renewed focus on maternity safety as Secretary of State announces rapid review
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the announcement of a rapid review of maternity safety. The review, announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, is due to report by Christmas. Alongside this, the Health Secretary will chair a National Maternity & Neonatal Taskforce, which will bring together experts, staff and campaigners to drive improvements […]
New midwives ready to work, but no jobs available despite understaffed services says RCM
More than eight out of 10 student midwives due to qualify this year say that are ‘not confident’ they will find a job once graduating despite maternity services across the UK struggling with understaffing, according to a new survey published today by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). The RCM says three-quarters (75%) of those […]
Health secretary to address national summit on maternity and neonatal safety
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting will address NHS leaders at a first-of-its-kind summit on maternity and neonatal safety in July. The summit is aimed at Chief Executives and Chairs of NHS Trusts, Boards and Integrated Care Boards to support them in addressing the safety crisis facing maternity and neonatal care. Importantly, delegates will […]
RCM announces details of consultation with members on pay award
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has announced plans to consult with its members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on the 3.6% pay award. Last week the RCM cautiously welcomed the news that the governments in all three nations had accepted the pay recommendations from the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) in full. On […]
Government announces pay award for RCM members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has issued a cautious welcome to the news that the governments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have accepted the pay recommendations from the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) in full. The RCM says while it believes its hard-working members deserve more, the 3.6% is a ‘small improvement’ on […]
Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth programme pilot concludes successfully
A pilot of the Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth (ABC) programme, delivered by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives and The Healthcare Improvement Studies (THIS) Institute at the University of Cambridge, has successfully concluded. Avoidable brain injury acquired during labour (intrapartum care) can have devastating consequences for babies and their […]
RCM Cymru says new report must be used as ‘an opportunity to drive meaningful change’
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Wales has renewed its call for urgent, system-wide change, following the publication of the Llais report into maternity experiences in Swansea Bay. The report highlights recurring and deeply concerning themes, including variation in care, communication issues, inconsistent postnatal support and barriers to raising concerns. These mirror the findings […]
RCM says perinatal mental health should be everyone’s business as it marks World Maternal Mental Health Day
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has today called for urgent investment in perinatal mental health support as part of events for World Maternal Mental Health Day (7 May). Low mood and poor mental health affect many people, but during the perinatal period women can be particularly vulnerable. Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time […]
Innovative Welsh team recognised for keeping maternity service users connected and tackling inequalities in care
An innovative project in Wales, which aims to tackle health inequalities by keeping maternity service users connected, has been recognised with a prestigious award. The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for Wales and the Royal College of Midwives Wales (RCM) Quality Improvement award for 2025 was awarded to the Digital Inclusion Maternity Databank, led by Cheri […]