Support for midwives as NHS autumn vaccine rollout begins
As the NHS launches its autumn vaccination programme, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is providing members with support, practical tools and evidence-based information to help them respond confidently to questions from women in their care. This autumn, the NHS is offering flu and RSV vaccines to pregnant women. However, for the first time since […]
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 […]
Watch RCM webinar featuring RSV vaccine guidance and advice for midwives
Supporting women to make informed choices about their care is a fundamental element of being a midwife, and support around vaccination is an important part of that. Midwives are often the trusted professionals that pregnant women turn to for advice about vaccination, so ensuring you’ve got all the most up-to-date information is vital. Royal College […]
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 […]
Royal College of Midwives welcomes appointment of Baroness Amos as chair of maternity and neonatal rapid review – but urges Health Secretary to pick up the pace
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the announcement of Baroness Valerie Amos as chair of the review of maternity and neonatal safety, announced by the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care in June. However, the College’s reaction is tempered by frustration of the pace of the so-called rapid review. Gill Walton, […]
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 champions Welsh language in maternity services at National Eisteddfod
Using Welsh in maternity services can transform birth experiences – improving outcomes for women and families. That’s the message the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is taking to the National Eisteddfod on Friday 8 August, as it hosts a morning of discussion focused on the vital role of the Welsh language in maternity services. The […]
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 […]