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Midwives stepping up to the challenge

By RCM on 24 March 2017 Caring For You campaign

Midwives and maternity support workers across the UK are being asked to join in the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Pedometer Challenge in April 2017. The RCM is asking staff in RCM branches on maternity units across the UK to organise a team to see which unit walks the furthest over two weeks from 18th April – 2nd May 2017. The winning RCM branch will receive £100 to spend on a staff wellbeing initiative.

The challenge is part of the RCM’s Caring for You campaign. This was launched in May 2016 with the aim of improving RCM members’ health, safety and wellbeing at work so they are able to provide high quality maternity care for women and their families. Over 50% of NHS organisations across the UK have already signed the campaign Charter.

Among the suggestions are for teams to do a virtual walk. This could include walking to tourist hotspots in other countries or a virtual walk to visit as many maternity units in the UK as possible.

Teams are encouraged to share their progress via social media. The pedometers are free and can be ordered via RCM workplace representatives.

Gill Adgie, The RCM Lead on the caring for You Campaign, said: “I think this is a great initiative to not only improve the health of staff but to also bring staff on units together. I urge RCM branches and midwives to take up the challenge.

“Staff wellbeing is very important in supporting the quality of care that staff can deliver. This is why our campaign is focusing on staff wellbeing because ultimately staff that are cared for and supported deliver better care to women babies and their families.”

The Twitter hashtag for the challenge is #C4YWalkatWork.

To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456 or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

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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/.

 

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