RCM responds to report which finds challenges in maternity safety are systemic
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the recommendation of a national approach to tackle maternity safety concerns set out today by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB). The RCM concurs with the HSSIB scoping report that safety challenges in maternity and neonatal care are the result of national systemic issues and hopes […]
Bereavement midwives are incredible – they help us embrace pregnancies after loss instead of enduring it
For Rainbow Baby Awareness Week, Rachel Burn, Media Relations Officer at the Royal College of Midwives, shares her personal story of pregnancy after loss – and the vital role her bereavement midwife played in helping her navigate it. When I saw a faint line on a pregnancy test, I had a panic attack. My husband […]
RCM support for new midwifery students
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has today welcomed a whole new cohort of students to the midwifery community, with thousands finding out they have a place at university thanks to today’s A-level results and last week’s Highers. Since results were published this morning, universities have been confirming places for aspiring midwives across the […]
RCM backs faster midwife access – but warns against widening inequalities
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed a new NHS England initiative that allows women to use an online tool to refer themselves to their local maternity services – cutting out the need to see a GP first. It aims to speed up access to crucial booking in appointments and has already been used […]
RCM welcomes ‘glimmers of hope’ for graduating midwives
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed news that funding has been unlocked to get newly- qualified midwives into their first job. Following today’s announcement by the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Wes Streeting, NHS England will make ‘top up’ funding available to NHS Trusts to enable them to take on […]
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 […]