‘New NMC report shows the need for more midwives says RCM’

By RCM on 02 November 2017 Report Midwives Midwife Shortage NMC - Nursing and Midwifery Council

A new report published today by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) shows the number of midwives and nurses leaving the NMC register.

Responding to the report, The Royal College of Midwives (RCMs) Director for Policy, Employment Relations and Communications Jon Skewes said; “This latest report by the NMC is concerning. Despite showing that the number of midwives leaving the register remains static. What is worrying for the RCM is the slow pace at which midwives are in fact joining the NMC register.

“Given the fact we remain 3,500 midwives short in England alone the concern for the RCM is how we will ever narrow the gap on the current shortage of midwives.

“The RCM has previously warned that years of pay restraint and staffing shortages in the midwifery profession would affect the recruitment and retention of NHS midwives and discourage those interested in a career in midwifery and this is what is happening.

“Also, the impact of Brexit and the uncertainty for midwives from other European countries in also evident in this report with a significant reduction in EU midwives joining the register clearly highlighted in this report.”

For a copy of this report contact the NMC media team at media@nmc-uk.org or on 02076815884.

 

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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/.