Following a Sunday Times investigation into midwifery education published today, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has reiterated its calls to invest more in the education of the next generation of midwives and those working in the university sector.
The RCM said the Sunday Times’ findings reflect long-standing issues it has raised repeatedly about inadequate investment in midwifery education and the educators themselves. Those educators are being let down by the increased student numbers against a backdrop of falling lecturer numbers and a lack of access to postgraduate education opportunities. It also identifies weaknesses in the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which has responsibility for both the setting of the undergraduate curriculum and regulatory oversight of universities delivering those programmes.
Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said:
“Midwifery students should be supported by a system that prepares them for the realities of modern maternity care. Right now weak and inconsistent oversight from the NMC is failing midwifery education, for those who are delivering it, for students and for women and families. The NMC’s fundamental duty is to protect the public through regulation of midwifery education and practice. We are increasingly concerned that they are not fulfilling this duty adequately.”
The College said that the NMC has failed to keep pace with the increased demands on, and expectations of, midwives, including understanding complexities, mental health awareness and assessment, and vital skills and competencies such as supporting home and water births. These are essential to the safe delivery of maternity care, and midwives should be competent to deliver that care.
Gill Walton added:
“The needs of the women and families in our care must always be the priority. Our expectation is that universities support midwives to advocate for women and support them to make informed choices based on evidence. Midwifery education must focus on personalised and safe care for each woman, whatever her choices, from day one of registration.”
While universities are working hard to deliver programmes that meet current NMC standards and proficiencies, many are operating in an increasingly challenging higher-education environment. With practice learning forming half of every student midwife’s training, the RCM says strong partnerships between universities and clinical services are essential to providing consistent and equitable access to the full spectrum of clinical experience.
Without strong and consistent regulatory processes, the RCM fears that universities are being left without the direction and scrutiny they need to deliver high-quality midwifery education.
The RCM’s own research has shown that midwifery departments are facing cuts, shrinking teams and fewer experienced educators at a time when women’s health needs are becoming more complex.
“We have some of the most robust midwifery education standards in the world,” added Gill. “But standards alone are not enough, particularly if they are not being regularly assessed by the regulator. We need investment in the education workforce and in the seniority, skill and experience of the educators who train future midwives.”
The College said that future midwives should receive training and education that reflects the reality of midwifery, particularly the individual needs of women. Supporting women to make informed choices about their care, and advocating for those choices, is paramount.
The RCM said it supports Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting’s call for an overhaul of regulators, including the NMC, to ensure training keeps pace with modern maternity care.
Gill said: “This is a moment for the NMC to show it can provide dependable, transparent and consistent regulation.” said Gill. “Educators, students, midwives and families need a regulatory system they can trust.”
