RCM expresses concern at ‘huge drop’ in number of applications to study midwifery

RCM expresses concern at ‘huge drop’ in number of applications to study midwifery The number of students applying to study midwifery in the UK has dropped by a fifth, according to the latest UCAS figures, raising concerns about future workforce planning. Although student numbers are still around pre-pandemic levels, there continues to be a year-on-year […]

RCM calls for better support for disabled NHS staff in TUC motion

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says a change is needed urgently in how funds for reasonable adjustments for disabled NHS staff are allocated at Trust level. In a motion – presented by RCM activist Mandi Masters – to the TUC Disabled Workers Conference today, the RCM is calling for all NHS Trusts to have central funds […]

Maternity team call-out for NHS staff feedback on impact of staff baby loss policy

A Trust in Birmingham is asking for feedback from NHS staff who may have benefited from a policy to support staff after pregnancy loss that they introduced and pioneered two years ago. The work at Birmingham Women and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust was led by RCM workplace representative Janet Ballintine, other Trade Unions and the Trust’s Chief People Officer, Raffaela […]

RCM announces RCM Board election results

Seven new midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) have joined the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Board following Board elections. Three existing Board members have also been re-elected. The new Board take up their roles on 1 September 2023. The new Board members are: • Shani Woodbridge • Yana Richens • Melissa Davis • Barbara […]

Every Story Matters: RCM asks members to share their pandemic experiences

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is calling on its members to share their experiences of working through the COVID-19 pandemic with the Government’s official inquiry. Its call comes as the Every Story Matters listening exercise campaign to encourage health professionals and members of the public to feed into the COVID-19 inquiry is launched. The […]

RCM Research Prioritisation

The RCM is launching an exciting new project on 17 July 2023. They will be undertaking a research prioritisation project to establish the top 10 priorities for research and want all members of the midwifery profession, together with student midwives, MSWs and service users to get involved. Establishing future research priorities for maternity and midwifery […]

RCM welcomes IPPR workforce report and repeats call for publication of Government’s NHS workforce plan

A report on the health and social care workforce by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has highlighted the growing workforce crisis and called for a long-term sustainable solution ‘to give workers hope’. The report has been produced by the IPPR’s Workforce Assembly, a body made up of clinicians from health and social care […]

‘Act now’ and publish NHS workforce plan RCM and health organisations tell Rishi Sunak

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and other unions, professional bodies, charities and the NHS Confederation have written to the Prime Minister expressing dismay at the delayed publication of an NHS workforce plan. With the midwife shortage in England hitting 2500 the RCM along with the other organisations say a funded and sustainable plan must be […]

Safety, choice, and staff wellbeing must be focus of service reconfigurations, says RCM

Updated guidance on what to consider when reconfiguring maternity services has been published today by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). The guidance is aimed primarily at senior midwives and managers in trusts and boards, and RCM workplace representatives. It will also be useful to all midwives and maternity support workers who should be consulted […]

Midwives speak truth to power in Scotland

Royal College of Midwives (RCM) members from across Scotland were able to take their concerns and experiences of maternity services right to the heart of Holyrood earlier this month. Over 30 midwives including midwifery educators and researchers, maternity support workers and student midwives, met a range of Scottish MSPs at an RCM event at the […]