RCM Cymru welcomes announcement of new Maternity and Neonatal Oversight Panel
Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement of a new Maternity and Neonatal Oversight Panel, which will undertake a current state ‘rapid independent assessment’ of maternity services in Wales. However, the RCM has cautioned that this assessment must strengthen and support the improvement work that is already underway, not derail […]
Balance between women’s choices and midwives’ safety must be paramount in application of new NMC principles
New principles published today by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for supporting women’s choices in maternity care are a step forward in bringing much-needed clarity, consistency and confidence to practice, according to the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). The new principles, which involved input from the RCM, have been designed to help midwives and […]
RCM support helps neurodivergent midwife secure workplace adjustments
A neurodivergent midwife who felt unsupported on her role successfully secured workplace adjustments and a renewed confidence in her role with support from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). The RCM member in the North of England said she was feeling increasingly unable to practice safely and was finding it difficult to communicate with her […]
Latest NMC report reveals concerning snapshot of why midwives are leaving the register
While it’s positive news that the number of midwives on the register has increased overall, the increase in new registrants joining the register is on the decline. Heather Bower RCM’s Head of Midwifery Education explains why in her latest blog. This week, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has published its annual report about the […]
RCM Wales calls for more support for staff to deliver maternity safety improvements
Sustained support and investment are needed to enable midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) to deliver safety improvements across Welsh maternity services says the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Wales. Everything from safe staffing levels to prioritising time for multidisciplinary training and improving organisational and working cultures must be addressed,if we are to see […]
Deploying nursing associates in maternity settings risks undermining safety
‘Maternity support workers (MSWs) have been trained to work in maternity settings and nursing associates have been trained to work in nursing settings. One role cannot replace the other.’ That’s the message from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in a joint statement on the role of Nursing Associates in Maternity is published. The RCM […]
Voices of midwives, MCAs and the RCM in Scotland offer catalyst for change
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Scotland has welcomed the publication of the report and recommended actions of the Scottish Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce and says that ‘the valuable contribution made by its members alongside RCM staff in shaping the report cannot be underestimated.” The College says the report, recommendations and actions from the […]
New figures show shock fall in number of UK-educated midwives joining NMC Register
New data from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has revealed a shock fall in the number of UK-educated midwives who are joining the register. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has described the decrease of 12.5% as ‘significant’, given the understaffing challenges blighting maternity services. The RCM has been warning of the impact of […]
‘Value midwives to keep them in midwifery’ says RCM as its responds to NMC report
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says ‘it’s disappointed, but not surprised’ that the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC’s) annual data report has revealed that compared to nurses’ midwives are less likely to recommend their career choice. Concerns over staffing shortages and the impact they have on the delivery of good quality care were also […]