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New NHS plan welcomed but more details needed on maternity services says RCM

By RCM on 30 March 2017 NHS England Caring For You campaign

Today NHS England has published the ‘Next Steps on the Five Year Forward View Plan’. This sets out what has been achieved by the NHS so far in the Five Year Forward View and lays out the next steps of the plan.

Commenting on the plan, Cathy Warwick, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said: “This is a welcome plan and shows the Government’s commitment to improving our NHS. The inclusion of some information on local maternity plans is important, as is the commitment to safeguard and secure the position of staff that may be affected by Brexit.

“It is encouraging to see that 44 local maternity plans are set to be in place from April. Our own analysis of the NHS Sustainability and Transformation Plans published late last year showed little consideration of maternity services in many of them, if included at all. I hope and expect these local plans will reflect the positive direction for maternity care outlined in England’s national plan for maternity services.

“I also welcome the plan’s focus on supporting staff because it is vital that their welfare is considered. There is strong evidence to show that well supported staff deliver better care. This is why staff wellbeing is the focus of the RCM’s current Caring for You campaign.”

 “There is a lot of detail still to be seen on maternity services but the plan overall is positive and if implemented and resourced will take the NHS forward.”

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

Ends

Notes to editors

For information on the RCM’s Caring for You campaign visit https://www.rcm.org.uk/caring-for-you-campaign.

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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