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 […]

RCM responds to Darzi Report

In July 2024, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care commissioned Lord Darzi to conduct an immediate and independent investigation of the NHS. The rapid review was completed in nine weeks and the report was published today (12 September). Commenting on the Darzi Report, Royal College of Midwives Chief Executive Gill Walton said: […]

RCM shines light on issues impacting its members at TUC Congress

A strong RCM delegation made up of midwives, maternity support workers (MSWs) and RCM staff attended the TUC’s Annual Congress in Brighton this week. The RCM used this year’s congress as another opportunity to shine a light on the issues affecting its members, with motions around inclusivity in maternity services, equitable pay for NHS bank […]

Y Fantais Gymraeg i Undebau – The Welsh Advantage for Unions

The RCM is working with TUC Cymru and other unions in Wales to recognise, support, safeguard and grow Welsh-speaking union membership across Wales. Following the TUC Cymru Congress in May this year, the RCM committed to promote the take-up of the ‘Cynnig Cymraeg’ (the Welsh offer). The RCM joined TUC Cymru at the Eisteddfod on […]

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 […]

What the King’s Speech means for RCM members and the women they care for

By What the King’s Speech means for RCM members and the women they care for on Trade Unions Government Pregnancy Midwives MSWs – Maternity Support Workers The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed elements of The King’s Speech today saying it has ‘helpfully unveiled more of the new Government’s direction’. Importantly the RCM says it has signalled updates […]

RCM response to the Independent Culture Review of the Nursing and Midwifery Council

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has said that the publication today of the Independent Culture Review of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) will make difficult reading for the regulator and registrants. However, getting regulation right is imperative, both for midwives and nurses, and for the public. Gill Walton, RCM Chief Executive, said: “Sadly, […]

RCM members elect new President

Midwifery Midwives RCM RCM Member RCM CEO RCM President MSWs – Maternity Support Workers ‘I will represent every member no matter their background or their role’ that’s the message from Sophie Russell the newly elected  President of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). RCM members voted for Sophie to become the newly elected President of the RCM and her term starts […]