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More investment needed in maternity says RCM on NHS staff survey

on 18 February 2020 RCM NHS Staff NHS Caring For You campaign

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is calling for more investment in maternity services if midwives are to feel well-supported at work. The RCM says that while the latest NHS Staff Survey published today shows some progress, this can only be accelerated by more investment.

Responding to the survey results, Jon Skewes, Executive Director of External Relations at the Royal College of Midwives, said: "The NHS is moving in the right direction in valuing and supporting its staff. But midwives' responses show they feel less supported to do their jobs as well as they can than many of their colleagues. This is a compelling argument for more investment in midwives, maternity support workers and maternity services."

NHS staff are happier overall in their jobs than in previous years. Midwives though feel less happy than their colleagues in a number of areas such as work-related stress. They also say they are working more unpaid hours than some of the other NHS staff groups.

He added: "The RCM is working hard with employers to improve the health, wellbeing and working environment of its members through our Caring for You campaign. The Government and the NHS though need to step up efforts, and ensure midwives have the resources and working conditions to concentrate on delivering the safest and highest quality care for mothers, babies and their families."

ENDS

 To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk.  

Notes to editors

For more information on the RCM’s Caring for You campaign visit https://www.rcm.org.uk/supporting/getting-help/caring-for-you/.

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/.

 

 

 

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