RCM urges action to tackle ongoing issues highlighted in perinatal mortality report
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has called for action to address ongoing issues in maternity care highlighted by the latest National Perinatal Mortality Review Tool (PMRT) annual report, published today (Thursday 9 October). The report, which reviewed 4,166 cases of perinatal death across the UK between January and December 2024, shows encouraging progress in […]
Historic move sees RCM pull out of NHS Pay Review Body process
In a historic move after two decades the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has announced that it is withdrawing from the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) process for 2026/27. The decision the trade union says ‘it hasn’t taken lightly’ but one they feel is ‘absolutely necessary’ given lack of progress on NHS pay reform for […]
Urgent action needed to address inequalities in maternity outcomes for Black women says RCM
“Shocking inequalities in outcomes for Black women in maternity care must be addressed urgently”, says the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) following an inquiry and publication of a report by The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee on Black Maternal Health. The report found systemic failings in leadership, training and ethnicity data collection […]
RCM calls for investment in maternity services as new report highlights shifting birth trends
A new report published today (11 September) by the National Maternity and Perinatal Audit (NMPA) has highlighted significant changes in how women are giving birth in Great Britain – with the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) warning that maternity services must be properly resourced to ensure safe, high-quality care for all. The NMPA’s State of […]
Joint agency approach is needed to end the inequality gap in maternal mortality rates says RCM
The Royal College of Midwives has again called for immediate and urgent measures to tackle the inequality of outcomes for women and families using maternity services. The call comes following the publication of the latest MBRRACE-UK report, Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care, into maternal deaths during and immediately following pregnancy between 2021 and 2023. The […]
Celebrating ambulance service midwives on National Emergency Services Day: ‘The clinicians really appreciate our midwifery knowledge and skills’
On National Emergency Services Day (9 September), we celebrate the incredible people who keep the public safe in times of crisis. Among them are midwives like Lisa Smith and Aimee Humphreys, who have taken their skills into the ambulance service – supporting paramedics, ambulance clinicians, women and babies in the most urgent and unpredictable moments. […]
‘I tell myself I’m going to have a good day – and it works!’: Midwifery student shares advice for those starting their journey
For many new student midwives, September marks the start of an exciting journey into a rewarding profession. But while anticipation is high, it’s natural to feel nervous about what’s ahead. To help ease those first-days nerves, Sheffield Hallam second-year student midwife Khadijah Madden has shared her reflections and advice for those just beginning their training. […]
RCM calls on TUC Congress to ‘stand with us to tackle inequalities in maternity care’
‘The trade union movement should be on the side of every woman and every baby whose lives are endangered by inequalities.’ That’s the message the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has taken to the 2025 Trade Union Congress (TUC) this weekend. The RCM used the first of its two motions to shine a light on […]
‘Utterly unfair’ that RCM members in Northern Ireland are still without pay uplift
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Northern Ireland says it’s pressing the Northern Ireland Executive for progress on an overdue pay award for its members. The RCM has described the delay as ‘utterly unfair’ and ‘completely demoralising’ for hard working midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) The Health and Social Care (HSC) Trade Unions […]
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 […]