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 the workforce and the overall safety of women and babies. The RCM’s new publications provide evidence-based good practice and professional judgement and consensus to get the workforce right, whatever the setting.
Said Sally Ashton-May, Director of Midwifery Policy and Practice:
“To get the midwifery workforce right, the pillars of the profession – clinical practice, education, research, leadership and management, and the different environments where midwives work – must be considered.
“These publications should be used to guide both strategic decision-making and local service delivery when it comes to establishing and maintaining an effective workforce. By working together, healthcare providers, education institutions and policy makers can ensure a robust and sustainable workforce which can provide competent and safe care while adapting to evolving maternity care needs and challenges.”
Each publication can be used individually or collectively depending on the needs of the services. The series reflects the differences in clinical settings for each of the four home nations and encompasses workforce planning, skill mix, lifelong learning and development and strong midwifery leadership and management. You can find them all here.
