RCM urges pregnant women to protect themselves as flu hospitalisations surge

Following today’s NHS data showing flu hospitalisations have surged to record winter levels, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is urging pregnant women to take steps to protect themselves and their babies.  New NHS figures released today (Thursday 11 December) show flu hospitalisations have jumped by 55% in just one week, with an average of […]

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 […]

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 gives evidence to inquiry on Black maternal health  

Cultural competence, a lack of accurate data and insufficient time with midwives were all highlighted as key issues by the RCM at an inquiry into Black maternal health this week. The House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee (HSC) inquiry is aimed at assessing why, despite several polices and the creation of  government […]

Spotlight on perinatal mental health at RCM’s national conference

With more women needing mental health support during pregnancy and in the postnatal period, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is putting perinatal mental health in the spotlight at its 2025 Conference. Delegates from the midwifery community, who are gathering in Birmingham this week, will hear from experts about how to deliver the vital support […]

UK needs to invest in healthy beginnings, RCM tells UK governments  

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is calling on the UK’s four governments to heed the advice of the World Health Organization and invest in healthy beginnings to build hopeful futures. With investment in maternity care across all four UK nations in the doldrums, the RCM is urging politicians to change tack. The RCM has […]

RCM supports midwifery practice recommendations in Sheriff Principal report

Following the tragic death of three babies in Scotland and having considered all the information presented at the recent inquiry a report by Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar KC has made 11 recommendations for midwifery practice and maternity service delivery. Among the recommendations are reviewing electronic information records to improve alerts for at-risk women, that all […]

RCM responds to announcement that NHSE is to be scrapped

Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement that NHS England is to be scrapped with management of health service returning to Government, the Royal College of Midwives’ (RCM) Chief Executive, Gill Walton, said: “Both the Prime Minister and the Health Secretary have said that abolishing NHS England will put more money into frontline services. Every midwife […]

RCM calls on Government to step up to tackle inequalities in maternity outcomes 

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) this week has used the TUC Women’s Conference as another opportunity to call on the Government to do more to improve the unacceptable maternity outcomes faced by Black and Asian women. Delivering its decolonising midwifery practice and education motion today the RCM called on the TUC to join with […]

RCM welcomes new standards for maternity care in Wales

“New standards for maternity must be the catalyst for safety improvements across all services in Wales.” That’s the message from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) as it welcomes Welsh Government plans to improve maternity services. The new Quality Statement on Maternity and Neonatal care and Perinatal Engagement Framework, unveiled by the Welsh Government today, […]