Midwifery deserves more
When we were told earlier this year that NHS England (NHSE) was planning to develop a new strategy for nursing and midwifery, I was hopeful. Maternity care – and midwifery as a fundamental part of that – has never been under greater scrutiny, or greater pressure. Having a strategy which underpins and enhances the value […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Big changes for NHS Wales Maternity Support Workers – here’s what you need to know
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has been advocating for fairer pay for Bands 2 and 3 Maternity Support Workers in Wales. Vicky Richards, the RCM’s National Officer for Wales, explains what’s changing – and what you need to do if it affects you. If you’re a maternity support worker (MSW) in Wales, you might […]
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 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 […]
Chancellor’s Spending Review is high on hope but low on detail
The Royal College of Midwives has given a cautious welcome to the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review, announced today. Gill Walton, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the RCM, said: “Midwives, maternity support workers and student midwives will have been hoping for more of an indication that this Government understands the desperate need for investment in […]
RCM welcomes announcement of no separate pay spine for nurses
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the news that the Government will not pursue a separate pay spine for NHS nurses. The RCM described the proposals as ‘divisive and unfair’ when it submitted evidence to the Government’s consultation in 2024 and has been staunchly opposed to the creation of a separate pay scale […]