‘Calling all midwives and MSWs to celebrate International Day of the Midwife’
By RCM on 10 March 2017 Midwives Student midwives RCM Branches IDM - International Day of the Midwife
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is calling all midwives, maternity support workers (MSWs) and student midwives to get involved and celebrate this year’s International Day of the Midwife (IDM) 2017.
Annually May 5th is the internationally recognised day for highlighting the work of midwives here in the UK and across the world.
The theme for this year’s celebration is Midwives, Mother and Families and the RCM is encouraging all local RCM branches and midwifery societies to hold events in support of IDM 2017.
The RCM is also running two competitions for members who host any event regardless of the size. There are prizes on offer for each of the ten regions in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales for those who submit the best photograph of their event.
The second competition ‘The Great Midwifery Cake Off’ is returning and is a chance for members who have a flair for baking to get creative.
RCM’s President Lesley Page and Chief Executive Cathy Warwick along with more RCM staff will be out and about visiting events organised by RCM members on Friday May 5th. So if you are hosting an event send the details to idm.events@rcm.org.uk.
Commenting, Denise Linay Head of Organising and Engagement at the RCM says; “IDM 2017 is a real chance for us to celebrate all the amazing work that happens in midwifery right across the UK as well as internationally.That’s why this year the RCM is reaching out to all it’s members and their local branches to encourage everyone to get involved.
“Midwives, MSW’s and student midwives work tirelessly everyday to ensure women, their babies and families get the best quality care they deserve, often in difficult circumstances with many pressures and staff shortages, in England we unfortunately remain 3,500 midwives short.
“The RCM is hoping that local branches will mark International Day of the Midwife with an event of their choice no matter how big or small.
Many midwives and MSWs have already gotten in touch from across the UK sharing what they have planned for the day, everything from themed tea parties, to evening balls to study days have been organised. So if you are planning to celebrate IDM with us get in contact with the RCM and tell us what your branch is doing. IDM is a fantastic opportunity to show all the great work that’s been done by midwives at a local level too.
“The RCM has also created a really useful resource pack that is available on our website which will help you to get started on planning your event.”
On social media use the hashtag #IDM2017
To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456 or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.
Ends
Notes 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/.