Painting a picture of the care women need
How do you get a realistic image of the person in front of you? How can you avoid making assumptions and learn to listen to what they need? It’s the antenatal booking appointment. The woman in front of you is within the first 10 weeks of her pregnancy. You discuss her health, her marital status, whether this […]
RCM responds to Government’s Ten-Year Plan
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has responded to the government’s Ten-Year Plan for services in England. The RCM says it’s a ‘positive step forward’ that this government’s plan has acknowledged the current working culture in the NHS and the impact that has on the health and wellbeing of staff. Describing the plan as ‘ambitious’ […]
Maternity Support Workers celebration day
MSW/MCA celebration day MSW/MCA celebration day takes place on 24 November 2025. The focus of the day is on supporting our MSW/MCA members and to share information. The RCM is encouraging all RCM branches and members to work together to host local events in their workplaces. If you have any ideas for your branch speak to your branch […]
New RCM Board members elected
Four new midwives have been elected to join the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Board. Announcing the new Board members the RCM has thanked its members for voting in the recent election. The RCM Board is responsible for the overall direction and setting the strategic objectives of the RCM and is made up entirely of […]
New executive roles bolster College’s drive to be by the side of the midwifery community
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has announced the appointment of two new members to the executive team. Robbie Turner will be joining as Chief Membership Officer and Hannah Leonard as Chief Policy Officer and will work alongside existing Chief Executive Gill Walton and Chief Operating Officer Chris Truman. Gill said of the new appointments: […]
RCM ballots members on industrial action over on call arrangements
Midwives in South Tyneside and Sunderland are being balloted on industrial action over proposals for on call arrangements that would see them being ‘on call’ on their days off. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has described the proposals as ‘unsafe and grossly unfair’ which would effectively see midwives having their on call working hours […]
Changes to newborn bloodspot screening
Have you ever wondered why we don’t screen for more newborn conditions or why it takes so long to add new conditions? I certainly used to. Until last summer, when I joined the Newborn Blood Spot (NBS) Advisory Group and the Board for the severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) in-service evaluation, I did too. Now […]
RCM welcomes renewed focus on maternity safety as Secretary of State announces rapid review
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the announcement of a rapid review of maternity safety. The review, announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, is due to report by Christmas. Alongside this, the Health Secretary will chair a National Maternity & Neonatal Taskforce, which will bring together experts, staff and campaigners to drive improvements […]
RCM principles for filming and recording maternity staff at work
RCM gives evidence to inquiry on Black maternal health
Cultural competence, a lack of accurate data and insufficient time with midwives were all highlighted as key issues by the RCM at an inquiry into Black maternal health this week. The House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee (HSC) inquiry is aimed at assessing why, despite several polices and the creation of government […]