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 […]
Pioneering Community-Based Trial to Improve Maternal Health for Pregnant Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa
A study published last month in the Lancet sheds new light on how community-led maternal and newborn care in Sierra Leone has saved lives by bringing care closer to women. In a country with a historically high maternal mortality rate – 40% of which is adolescents (10-19 year olds) – the 2YoungLives trial has made […]
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 urges greater focus and ambition around midwifery and maternity research
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has announced its top 10 research priorities for midwifery and maternity care – identified in a thorough process working with the James Lind Alliance, and closely supported by a project Steering Group made up of midwives, midwifery students, maternity support workers (MSWs), women and birthing parents and their supporters. […]
RCM Wales welcomes re-opening of Neath Port Talbot Hospital Birth Centre
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Wales has welcomed the long awaited re-opening of the Neath Port Talbot Hospital Birth Centre, and the reintroduction of the Swansea Bay Home Birth Service which will give women in the area much greater choice over how they give birth. The Birth Centre closed in September 2021 because […]
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
By Lynne Galvin, Regional Head for the North of England on 21 August 2024 Midwifery Midwives Clinical practice The RCM’s North of England team has spent the past few weekends at Pride marches across the region. Lynne Galvin, the RCM’s Regional Head for the North of England, explains why it’s been so important Over the […]
Embracing advanced practice in midwifery
The RCM’s Director of Professional Midwifery, Fiona Gibb, says that, with the need for improved career pathways, the time for advanced practice in midwifery has come. Earlier this year, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) announced plans to develop additional regulation for advanced practice nurses and midwives. This is a significant step towards ensuring that […]
Long overdue pay offer finally arrives for midwives in England
Months of waiting, a change of Government and finally the announcement of the long overdue pay rise for midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) in England has arrived. The Government’s announcement of a 5.5%, above inflation pay award has been welcomed by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) – but they also said that staff […]
RCM respond to reports on PRB pay recommendation
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has responded to reports that the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) has recommended an above-inflation pay rise of 5.5%. The PRB says this is in line with increases in private sector pay, that’s according to The Times today. Thousands of hard-working midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland have been waiting with increasing frustration […]
‘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 […]