RCM comments on new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care speech and priorities

By RCM on 20 July 2018 NHS Secretary of State for Health Midwife Shortage Pay and Agenda For Change

Today the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care made a speech outlining his priorities for the NHS. Commenting on his reported speech, Gill Walton, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “These are very encouraging words and we look forward to working with the new Health Secretary.

“It is important that the message about valuing staff and valuing their expertise, professionalism and contribution to safe and high quality care is recognised right at the top of the NHS.

“We now need to see his Government’s commitment to 3000 additional midwives over the next three years delivered, and to see a continuation of fairer pay for NHS staff following the recent pay award. His focus on access to support and training is also heartening as this is crucial to ensuring NHS staff are delivering the best possible care.

“Midwives and their colleagues in maternity are working incredibly hard and often in challenging conditions to deliver the safe and high quality care the Secretary clearly wants. His vision is welcome, he clearly cares about the NHS, its staff and the people they care for. We now need to give the staff the resources and tools they need so that we can all work together work to deliver that vision.”

Note to editors

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.