‘Storm’ warning from midwives

THERE is a “gathering storm” threatening the safety and quality of maternity services in England, leading midwives have warned.

A new report by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) claims financial constraints, increasing demands and continuing staff shortages are affecting services.

These pressures are compounded by Brexit uncertainty and changes to the funding of education for midwives, the RCM added.

It warned demands on midwifery services are growing – there are now 100,000 more births in England each year compared to 2000 and the number of complex cases are putting a strain on midwives.

Meanwhile, the workforce is growing at a “snail’s pace”, the RCM added, saying that the health service is 3,500 midwives short – forcing even more midwives to leave the profession because of “intolerable pressure”.

The RCM also raised concerns about the “huge question-mark” over what will happen to the 1,300 EU midwives working in the NHS in England after Brexit.

“England’s maternity services are buckling under the demands being made on them; this cannot continue,” said Jon Skewes, RCM director for policy, employment relations and communications.

“The Government has got to ensure England’s maternity services have the staff and resources to provide safe, high-quality care. We are pointing out the problems and offering solutions and the Government has to listen to them.

“It is in the hands of the Government to do something about this gathering storm, but it needs doing now.”