RCM calls for urgent action following BBC documentary on Scotland’s maternity services
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has urged the Scottish Government to take immediate action to tackle the systemic challenges facing maternity services, following a BBC investigation. A BBC Disclosure programme broadcast today (Tuesday 28 October 2025) reveals staff shortages, rising workloads, and a lack of specialist and educator roles in maternity services are […]
RCM to consult with members as midwives and MSWs grow tired of ‘empty promises’ on pay parity
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Northern Ireland has announced it will consult with its members on possible industrial action, following the continued failure to deliver pay parity for midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs). Despite months of discussions with the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, and the Department of Health, alongside other unions, midwives […]
RCM Cymru to champion anti-racism in maternity care at Black History Month event
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru is supporting this year’s TUC Cymru Black History Month event – Celebrating our past and protecting our future – highlighting how midwifery and maternity services are helping to deliver the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racism Action Plan. RCM Cymru Maternity Inclusive chairperson Jamie Morris will take to the stage at […]
Celebrating Black History Month 2025
To mark Black History Month 2025, MIDIRS is spotlighting articles in our 2025 editions of MIDIRS Midwifery Digest that highlight the disparities that Black women experience within midwifery care, as well as the brilliant work being done to reduce this disparity. Black History Month is an annual celebration, marked each October, which recognises the history, […]
RCM welcomes parliamentary support for a dedicated midwifery strategy
Labour MP Maya Ellis, stood up in the House of Commons to urge the Government to hold a debate on “a dedicated midwifery strategy that recognises the profession’s unique contribution to maternity care, distinct from nursing.” Earlier this week, RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton wrote to NHS England explaining the RCM’s decision not to participate […]
Activists across the UK unite for first four nations RCM Activists’ Awards
‘Grow, Organise, Participate’ was this year’s theme with 130 delegates descending on Birmingham to celebrate successes, share learning and strengthen the RCM’s activist network. An awards ceremony was held for the first time to recognise those RCM branches going above and beyond to support their members. Sally Morgan, an MSW at Tameside Hospital in Manchester, […]
RCM welcomes parliamentary debate on baby loss and urges action to prevent future tragedies
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed Monday’s parliamentary debate on baby loss, taking place during Baby Loss Awareness Week, as an opportunity to reflect on the urgent improvements needed to maternity care. Forty cross-party MPs spoke movingly in the three-hour debate, bringing to light the devastating impact of baby loss on families. Secretary […]
RCM Cymru welcomes baby loss certificates in Wales
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru has welcomed the introduction of baby loss certificates for parents in Wales who have experienced the loss of a baby before 24 weeks. Until now, the certificates have only been available to parents in England, where they were introduced last year. The scheme, which is voluntary, allows parents […]
Royal College of Midwives warns postcode lottery is putting mothers’ mental health at risk
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is calling for urgent action to end the postcode lottery in perinatal mental health care across the UK. On World Mental Health Day (10 October), the RCM is launching a new roadmap calling for improvements to perinatal mental health care, as it emerges that: One in four women experiences […]
RCM urges action to tackle ongoing issues highlighted in perinatal mortality report
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has called for action to address ongoing issues in maternity care highlighted by the latest National Perinatal Mortality Review Tool (PMRT) annual report, published today (Thursday 9 October). The report, which reviewed 4,166 cases of perinatal death across the UK between January and December 2024, shows encouraging progress in […]