63 newly qualified midwives still without jobs despite “desperate need for maternity staff”, says RCM Cymru
RCM Cymru has expressed disbelief that 63 newly qualified midwives in Wales remain without NHS jobs, despite continued warnings to the Welsh Government about the “desperate need” for maternity staff. In June, the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) streamlining process left 68 graduate midwives without jobs to go to because there were fewer roles available. Today […]
Equalities Network and Reps virtual taster session
Event Details Date: 16 November 2026 Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm Capacity: 50 Available spaces: 44 Registration: Closed Book Now
RCM member feedback helps shape new support for breastfeeding employees in Wales
Feedback from Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru members has helped drive a new initiative to better support breastfeeding employees across Wales. The work began after members shared their experiences through the RCM’s Caring for You survey in 2023, highlighting the need for better support for employees returning to work while continuing to breastfeed. Now, as part of World […]
From bore da to birth: a new Welsh course for midwives
Midwives across Wales are being offered the opportunity to learn Welsh, with a brand new course developed specifically for the profession. The course will give midwives the practical language and confidence to use Welsh in everyday practice – from greeting a woman on her first appointment to supporting her through labour and beyond. It’s designed […]
Compassionate bereavement care in Wales webinar
Event Details Date: 22 September 2026 Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm Capacity: 100 Available spaces: 99 Registration: Closed Book Now
94% of midwives in Wales say unsafe staffing levels affects the quality of care for women and babies
New survey data from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru has laid bare the scale of the safety crisis in NHS Cymru maternity services – with 94% midwives saying staffing levels directly affect the care they can provide to women and babies. The findings, from a survey of 219 midwives, maternity support workers and […]
Cardiff University wins national award for making midwifery education more diverse and inclusive.
In 2023, very few of the students on Cardiff University’s midwifery programme were from the Global Majority. By 2025, they made up 15% of the cohort. That shift is the result of three years of work to broaden access to midwifery education and transform the experience of those who study it. The Cardiff University midwifery team […]
RCM expresses disappointment after graduate midwives denied NHS jobs – despite staffing shortages
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru has expressed disappointment after a number of newly qualified midwives across Wales learnt today they haven’t secured an NHS role – despite ongoing pressures in maternity services. Graduate midwives found out this afternoon if they had been granted a position through the HEIW streamlining process. In previous years, all secured positions, but this year there are fewer jobs available. This is despite maternity services being under pressure, as national reviews continue to highlight the […]
RCM Cymru brings maternity safety agenda to TUC Congress
RCM Cymru has taken its campaign for safe staffing and cultural competency to TUC Cymru Congress, tabling two motions calling for urgent action on the issues that matter most to midwives and the women they care for. Around 28,000 babies are born in Wales every year. Yet services remain under sustained pressure and too many women – […]
The week that showed the strength of the maternity community in Wales
In this blog, Julie Richards, Director of RCM Cymru, reflects on the events at the end of February and beginning of March, and the importance of the strength, passion and commitment of the maternity community across Wales at a time when maternity services are in the spotlight. Last week was a defining moment for maternity care […]