Sensible step say RCM on maternity transformation suspension

on 25 March 2020 RCM Maternity Transformation Maternity Services MSWs - Maternity Support Workers Midwives

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the temporary suspension of England’s Maternity Transformation Programme as a practical and sensible step.

Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said: “This is the right thing to do for our maternity services and staff. It allows them to concentrate on delivering the safest and best possible care during this difficult time, as the NHS faces unprecedented demand.”

The suspension by NHS England will enable services to concentrate on important and urgent work to help local systems deliver services during this period.

Gill Walton added: “Great strides have been made through the transformation programme and these will not be lost. The focus now must be ensuring we have everything in place to deal with the challenges from COVID-19 and getting through the coming months. Midwives, maternity support workers and their NHS colleagues are working incredibly hard to ensure care is delivered, and I thank them all for their dedication and commitment.”

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

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/.