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RCM secures agreement for student midwives on work and education

By RCM secures agreement for student midwives on work and education on 30 June 2020 Midwives RCM Midwifery Maternity Services RCM CEO covid-19 Covid-19 Student midwives SMF - Student Midwives Forum Midwifery Training Places Midwifery Workforce Midwifery and nursing degree Newly Qualified Midwives

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has secured an important clarification by NHS Health Education England (HEE) on paid placements for student midwives who joined the workforce during the pandemic. This welcome move will allay the significant concerns of those who put their studies on hold in order to support NHS maternity services.

Commenting, Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM said: “The RCM was appalled at the thought of NHS employers prematurely terminating paid student placements, particularly as these student midwives answered the Government’s call to join the frontline to work during this pandemic. We are pleased that through negotiations with HEE, the RCM and other trade unions and organisations, were able to secure clarity for our hardworking student members.”

The agreement that has been reached will, the RCM says, provide fairness and transparency on paid placements and ensure a smooth transition for midwifery students to go back to their studies or on to jobs in the NHS, depending on what stage of their programme they were in before the pandemic.

Gill added: We are happy that the sacrifice and dedication of many student midwives has been recognised. There is no doubt that women and their babies have benefited from these student midwives stepping up and supporting maternity teams across the UK. These are our future midwives and it is heartening to know the profession is in such good hands.”
ENDS

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

Notes to Editors

The HEE statement can be read here and FAQs here.

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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