Simple solution to maternity closures says RCM on IFS study

By RCM on 11 September 2017 Midwife Shortage

Today research has been published by the Institute for Fiscal Studies on more complex births and staffing pressures putting strain on maternity services, leading to temporary closures. Commenting, Jon Skewes, Director for Policy, Employment relations and Communications at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “There is a cocktail of a historically high birthrate, increasingly complex births and staff shortages that lead to units closing temporarily.

“Heads of Midwifery tell us that pressures on services are leading to closures and also to the temporary removal of services such as home births.* The solution in essence, is fundamentally simple, and that  is to fund and staff our maternity services so that they have the resources to meet the demands being placed on them.”

*Read our press release on the RCM’s survey of heads of midwifery.

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/.