When staffing isn’t safe, neither is care. Here’s why the RCM is launching our new campaign
Today, the Royal College of Midwives is launching its Safe Staffing = Safe Care campaign in England – demanding policymakers to take urgent action for women and babies. RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton outlines why we’ve launched the campaign and the five important actions from Government. All midwives remember that magical moment when you receive your PIN – and the first time you walk into a ward and into a clinic as a newly qualified midwife. I […]
Midwives’ trusted role is vital to improving vaccine uptake in pregnancy, RCM tells national webinar
Midwives play a critical role in supporting women and families to make informed decisions about vaccination in pregnancy – but they need adequate time, training and resources to support this work, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) highlighted in a national webinar. Speaking at a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) webinar on maternal vaccinations, Clare […]
RCM Awards 2026 shortlist showcases midwives and maternity support workers making a difference across the UK
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has revealed the shortlist for 2026’s RCM Awards, celebrating midwives, maternity support workers, educators, students and multidisciplinary teams whose work is transforming care for women, babies and families across the UK. In total, there are 63 nominees on the shortlist, with the winners being announced at an awards ceremony in London next month. Gill Walton, RCM Chief Executive, […]
Midwifery and maternity leaders congratulated in New Year Honours
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) congratulates midwifery and maternity leaders recognised in the New Year Honours for their outstanding contribution to maternity care. Among those honoured are RCM members whose work has had a profound impact on women, babies and families across the UK, alongside colleagues from across maternity services whose leadership and advocacy has played a key role in strengthening midwifery and maternity care. Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see […]
RCM highlights midwives are ‘exhausted, overstretched and burnt out’
Commenting on a campaign to reduce midwives’ working hours, Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said: “Midwives and maternity support workers are facing extreme pressures and as this campaign highlights, they are exhausted, overstretched and working in unsustainable conditions. “The evidence is stark. The Royal College of Midwives’ surveys have shown that 45% of midwives […]
Royal College of Midwives warns slowdown in midwifery workforce growth risks increasing pressure on maternity services
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has expressed concerns following new figures from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) showing a significant slowdown in growth of the UK’s nursing and midwifery register, driven by a sharp fall in international recruitment and an increase in staff leaving the profession. The latest NMC data, released today (Friday […]
Royal College of Midwives backs Parliamentary Bill pushing for better perinatal mental health care
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed a new Bill introduced to Parliament on Wednesday (22 October) by Laura Kyrke-Smith MP, which aims to make high-quality perinatal mental health assessments a routine part of antenatal care for all women in England. The Perinatal Mental Health Assessments Bill, known as Sophie’s Law, would ensure that […]
Why supporting women’s choices is key to protecting mental wellbeing
Supporting women’s choices in maternity care isn’t just about autonomy – it’s central to protecting mental wellbeing and ensuring safer outcomes for women and babies. In this blog, Lia Brigante, Professional Policy Advisor at the RCM, explains how personalised care, informed choice and the RCM’s Perinatal Mental Health Roadmap are helping midwives deliver care that […]
RCM welcomes parliamentary debate on baby loss and urges action to prevent future tragedies
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed Monday’s parliamentary debate on baby loss, taking place during Baby Loss Awareness Week, as an opportunity to reflect on the urgent improvements needed to maternity care. Forty cross-party MPs spoke movingly in the three-hour debate, bringing to light the devastating impact of baby loss on families. Secretary […]
RCM Cymru welcomes baby loss certificates in Wales
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru has welcomed the introduction of baby loss certificates for parents in Wales who have experienced the loss of a baby before 24 weeks. Until now, the certificates have only been available to parents in England, where they were introduced last year. The scheme, which is voluntary, allows parents […]