Royal College of Midwives announces new Honorary Fellows
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed three leaders from across the maternity community as its newest Honorary Fellows, recognising their exceptional contributions to midwifery, maternity care and the wider profession. Honorary Fellowships are among the highest honours awarded by the RCM and recognise individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and commitment to improving care for women, babies and families. The […]
Health unions call for end to NHS flexible working postcode lottery
A coalition of 18 health unions, including the RCM, has launched a new initiative urging NHS employers to make flexible working the norm. The Get Ahead on Flex pledge calls on employers to speed up progress on flexible working arrangements, including team-rostering and ‘any hours’ contracts. Employers who sign up commit to advertising flexible options […]
Heart Unions Week: When midwives and MSWs speak out, change happens
This Heart Unions Week, we’re celebrating the real difference collective action makes in maternity services. From tackling unfair parking costs and securing uniform equality, to improving workplace safety and winning flexible working appeals, RCM members are proving the power of standing together. These wins show what’s possible when midwives and maternity support workers raise their […]
Student midwife wins national award after turning personal loss into better bereavement care
A student midwife who chose her career path after the loss of her baby has won a national award from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) for her outstanding contribution to pregnancy loss and bereavement care. Lauren Caulfield, a student at the University of Manchester, was named winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Pregnancy Loss […]
‘Women and babies deserve better’: The Royal College of Midwives in Scotland demands Government take urgent action with safe staffing campaign.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Scotland has launched a safe staffing campaign and manifesto, calling on the Scottish Government to take urgent action to address critical challenges putting women, babies and staff at risk. Click here to read through the full manifesto. The manifesto, which was launched in Edinburgh this week, sets out seven clear priorities […]
RCM members in Scotland receive pay boost
Midwives and MSWs in Scotland will receive a pay boost after inflation protection negotiated by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) was triggered. Members will receive an extra 0.15% on top of their pay rise for 2025-26, bringing the total increase to 4.4%, backdated to 1 April. The RCM and the Scottish Terms and Conditions […]
‘Enough is enough’: Royal College of Midwives calls on Government to take urgent action with safe staffing campaign
Crucial campaign launched at Westminster this week The RCM has set out five clear priorities which will improve maternity safety – and is calling on Health Secretary Wes Streeting to act now The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is calling on the Government to take urgent action to address chronic staffing shortages in maternity services that are putting […]
Midwives’ trusted role is vital to improving vaccine uptake in pregnancy, RCM tells national webinar
Midwives play a critical role in supporting women and families to make informed decisions about vaccination in pregnancy – but they need adequate time, training and resources to support this work, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) highlighted in a national webinar. Speaking at a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) webinar on maternal vaccinations, Clare […]
Royal College of Midwives backs whole-system approach to maternity safety in new national care bundle
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed a new Maternity Care Bundle published by NHS England, aimed at improving maternity safety, reducing maternal deaths and serious illness, and tackling inequalities in care across England. The RCM was closely involved in the development of the bundle, working alongside NHS England, frontline clinicians, service users, Royal Colleges, regulators, professional bodies and charities. The […]
AI and automation helping midwives spend more time with women
Midwives are using automation to help manage referrals and appointments, slashing admin time and freeing them up to spend more time with women. One NHS trust has introduced an automation programme, using a series of robots to streamline the booking and referrals process, as well as providing notifications of emergency department attendance, ensuring women receive timely care. Another is […]