05.09.17
New chief executive takes the reins at the RCM
Gill Walton has officially taken the reins as the leader of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), succeeding Cathy Warwick who has retired after spearheading the organisation since 2008.
One of the country’s leading midwives, with vast experience, Walton was appointed the new CEO and general secretary earlier in the year but has now taken up her post at the college’s HQ in London.
Prior to taking up the RCM lead position, Walton was most recently the of director of midwifery and maternity services at Portsmouth Hospitals.
“The RCM is an organisation I have been a member of for many years, I have tremendous respect and admiration for all it does not only as a trade union for midwives and maternity support workers, but also as one the most respected voices of midwifery across the UK and beyond,” she said.
“I wish Cathy Warwick a wonderful retirement and thank her for her incredible leadership, invaluable work and all she has done at the RCM for our members and for women and their families.”
Walton, who has been involved in national policy and strategy development, including work with the RCM, NMC and Department of Health, added that she begins her tenure at the RCM at an interesting time, “a time of great change and challenge for our maternity services and with challenge brings opportunity to really make a difference”.
“I’m also really looking forward to working with and supporting all our members across all four UK countries to help strengthen a positive future for midwives and maternity support workers,” she concluded.
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