Public health role of midwife undermined by lack of resources says RCM on new PHE report
By RCM on 20 June 2017 Public Health Public Health England
A report “Everyday Interactions”, to be published tomorrow (00.01 Wednesday, 21st June 2017) by Public Health England (PHE) and the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), aims to support healthcare professionals – including midwives - to record and measure their public health impact.
Commenting on the report, “Louise Silverton, Director for Midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said: “Midwives have a vital role to play in public health through the promotion of better health for both the mother and developing baby. This Includes work in areas such as smoking cessation, weight management and mental health. All of these have an impact on the woman and her baby and if we get can services right then midwives can make a very positive impact.
“However, the important role public health is undermined by the serious shortage of midwives and the lack of resources across the NHS as a whole and in public services. England is 3500 midwives short of the numbers needed and we are seeing cuts to important public health services such as smoking cessation services. Midwives are effectively trying to improve public health but with one hand tied behind their back.
“This report is welcome and measuring their impact is great but too often midwives are not having the impact they could be. This is a disappointment because midwives want to do this, but the system too often makes this very difficult.”
This report chimes with data collected as a part of the Department of Health funded RCM Stepping up for Public Health project. This developed a new model of public health for midwives to maximise their contribution by tailoring information and advice and putting women at the centre of understanding their public health needs. The RCM developed a menu of public health information for women supported by information repositories for women, their families, midwives and maternity support workers.
To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456, or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.
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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/.