Championing change
Midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) are the foundation of safe, compassionate maternity care in Wales. Every year, around 28,000 babies are born across our seven health boards, and every one of those births represents a story, a family and a future. Yet too many women and birthing people still face stark inequalities, and too […]
In the spotlight
The RCM Awards celebrate the dedication, skill and compassion of midwives, maternity support workers and students from across the UK and honour outstanding individuals in maternity care. The 2026 awards saw three Northern Ireland nominations: Joyce Hanna of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust was nominated for the maternity support worker of the year award […]
more than words
As Scotland prepares for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election on 7 May, maternity services are in the national spotlight. With political parties outlining their priorities for the next parliamentary term, RCM Scotland has launched a powerful manifesto, outlining the essential actions needed to secure safe, high-quality maternity care across the country. Midwives hold the future of a […]
Bringing the queen into play
It’s common knowledge that in chess, you should never underestimate the power of a well-placed pawn. It’s a lesson in never giving up because even the smallest actions can have huge consequences, and you never know when you might turn the tide. This is particularly poignant in a year where the UK maternity profession is […]
CoppaFeel!
Facts Around 2,500 people under the age of 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK and more than 200 pregnant women a year in the UK may be diagnosed with breast cancer during their pregnancy or up to two years after birth. Pregnant women are more likely to be diagnosed at […]
Understanding the difference
Following the birth of my eldest daughter nine years ago, my senses were overloaded, my cognitive functions felt like they had gone missing and I lost all ability to regulate my nerves and my emotions. It sounds like an account of postnatal depression and anxiety, but what happened a few years later led me to […]
Wearing too many hats?
In caring professions such as healthcare, midwifery, social work and emergency response, the emotional toll of continuous exposure to suffering can be profound. Known as compassion fatigue, it refers to the physical, emotional and psychological exhaustion experienced by individuals who are persistently exposed to others’ trauma and distress. Over time, this sustained empathy can erode a […]
“I’ve never believed leadership is done from behind a desk”
My approach to leadership has always centred on being accessible, present and genuinely connected with the people I work alongside. I’ve never believed leadership is something done from behind a desk; it’s something lived, shared and demonstrated in real time with your team. From the moment I arrived in Jersey, I set out to build a […]
Quality improvement
In August 2025, the health secretary appointed Baroness Valerie Amos to chair the new National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation (NMNI) to understand the lived experiences of women, babies and families in England at all stages of the maternity and neonatal care pathway. It is the latest in high-profile reviews of maternity services throughout the UK – […]
On the record
During COVID-19, filming and recording of consultations was a way to involve partners who couldn’t be there in person. The practice has continued to grow in popularity as a way to have personal keepsakes, to help with recalling information given at an appointment, to assist if there are language barriers or to share with family and […]