New figures show shock fall in number of UK-educated midwives joining NMC Register
New data from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has revealed a shock fall in the number of UK-educated midwives who are joining the register. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has described the decrease of 12.5% as ‘significant’, given the understaffing challenges blighting maternity services. The RCM has been warning of the impact of […]
Encouraging improvements in maternity services, but still work to do says RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the results of a national survey by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which shows that women’s experiences of maternity care are improving in some areas despite the challenges facing services and staff. The RCM says it’s pleased to see an increase in the levels of perinatal mental […]
‘Improving pay part of solution to recruitment and retention crisis,’ RCM tells Pay Review Body
‘Paying staff fairly and valuing the skilled work they do is an important part of the solution to the maternity staffing crisis.’ That’s what the RCM has told the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) this week, in its written evidence submission for the 2025/26 pay round for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The RCM is […]
RCM launches information series to support a sustainable maternity workforce
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has today launched a series of publications, Getting the Midwifery Workforce Right, to support those working in and managing maternity services to create the most appropriate workforce for their settings. A direct line can be drawn between the priority given to funding maternity services, the size and shape of […]
No shame, no stigma, only support
As midwives and MSWs, we spend our working lives supporting the women in our care. Not only that, but most of the people we work alongside are also women. Think about all those women – hundreds, probably thousands of them – that cross our paths. And now consider that the recent crime survey for England […]
Statement from HSC trade unions Northern Ireland 15 November 2024
Health Trade Unions in Northern Ireland met with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt on the 14 November regarding pay for 2024/25. The unions reiterated their position that the Pay Review Body (PRB) recommendation should be implemented in full. Furthermore, the Health Trade Unions insisted that any pay offer must ensure pay parity and be backdated to […]
Midwife wins prestigious award for her empathy during bereavement
A midwife and sonographer from Orkney, Melissa Lindsay, has won the Midwife of the Year Award at Scotland’s Health Awards, which were held in Edinburgh at a dazzling awards ceremony last Thursday. The awards celebrate the outstanding work and commitment health care workers in the Health and Social Care network show to patients and communities […]
RCM response to Health Secretary’s ‘zero tolerance’ approach to NHS improvement
A renewed focus on improvement of outcomes and safety has been welcomed by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) – but the College has urged the Government to see beyond waiting list reduction as a measure of success. Birte Harlev-Lam, Executive Director Midwife at the RCM, said: “Countless reports and inspections have consistently shown what […]
MSWJC Live: The importance of evidence-based research
Our next journal club Live will be held on 25 November 2024, 11:00 – 12:00 on the topic of the importance of evidence-based research. Book your free ticket here
Guernsey’s changing demographic could add complexity to maternity services, warns RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has praised the state of maternity services in Guernsey but has called on the Bailiwick to continue to invest in them so they continue to meet the needs of the island’s population. Releasing its Guernsey State of Maternity Services report today, the RCM has found that, although the number […]