“Everything changes when you read”: libraries and reading to support health and wellbeing
About the Author Clarisse Lima works at MIDIRS as an administrator, handling all of our customer service queries and subscriber logistics. She has an academic background in Heritage and worked for five years in public libraries as a Library Assistant and later as a Library Supervisor. “Everything changes when you read: libraries and reading to […]
When staffing isn’t safe, neither is care. Here’s why the RCM is launching our new campaign
Today, the Royal College of Midwives is launching its Safe Staffing = Safe Care campaign in England – demanding policymakers to take urgent action for women and babies. RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton outlines why we’ve launched the campaign and the five important actions from Government. All midwives remember that magical moment when you receive your PIN – and the first time you walk into a ward and into a clinic as a newly qualified midwife. I […]
What does the Scottish Budget mean for you and the families you care for?
Every year the Scottish Government sets out how it will spend public money across Scotland. For those of us working in maternity services, this matters. It directly affects our pay, our staffing levels, the services we can deliver, and crucially the support available to the families we work with every day. As expected this is clearly an […]
The importance of eating healthily during pregnancy for mum and baby
The importance of eating healthily during pregnancy for mum and baby can’t be understated. It’s often much easier said than done, though, and for some, compassionate support can be essential. At Slimming World, we’re proud to continue supporting mums-to-be and work in collaboration with the RCM to encourage healthy eating, active lifestyles and safe weight management […]
When workplaces are in crisis and workers are being damaged, it’s only trade unions that can make change
This is an historic day for working people across the UK and the RCM has been proud to stand alongside our fellow TUC unions in the long campaign to deliver real rights for working people, and to end the anti-trade union measures put in place to stop public sector workers taking industrial action when things […]
Strengthening compensatory rest guidance for Scotland
“Winning for our members providing out of hours on-call in Scotland’ Last week saw the publication of “Guidance on Applying Compensatory Rest Related to On-Call for Staff Employed Under Agenda for Change Terms & Conditions”, published as part of the NHS Scotland Agenda for Change (AfC) Review, via the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC). The RCM pushed for its development to ensure that midwives and other AfC staff were effectively supported […]
Culture, Complaints and Care: How Maternity Service Culture Shapes Staff and What We Can Do About It
INTRO About the Author Dr Sarah Bolger is a dual-qualified nurse and midwife and a Senior Lecturer in Midwifery. She is the Pedagogic Development Coordinator within a large university’s School of Health Sciences and founder of The Scholars’ Network, which provides academic support and resources for healthcare students. Her research explores organisational learning from patient […]
You are not immune, but you are not alone
Every year, from 25 November to 10 December, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence unites voices from across the world in calling for an end to violence against women and girls. As our lives move increasingly online, so too has the harassment, coercion, and control that many women and girls experience. What once occurred behind closed […]
Nipple shields for breastfeeding: trying to clear the fog around their use
Dr Lucy Goddard discusses the history, use and stigma surrounding nipple shields, and introduces her research project aimed at supporting women and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions around nipple shield use. About the Author Dr Lucy Goddard is a postdoctoral researcher in Maternity and Women’s Health at the University of Oxford. Lucy’s research focuses […]
RCM Digital Midwives Network Forum Reflections
Following Hauwa’s introduction to the RCM Digital Midwives Network Forum I am reflecting on the first meeting and what this collaboration means to the members. My journey to digital midwifery was not one I planned but found myself drawn to with a keen interest in digital health alongside a passion for innovation and quality improvement […]