30.05.17
RCM calls for better care outcomes for pregnant women in manifesto
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has called for better outcomes for pregnant women as it announced a list of five priorities for politicians ahead of the general election.
In its general election manifesto, the RCM also stated that midwife shortages were another important issue for politicians to focus on. Key to supporting the struggling workforce would be reassuring the 1,300 midwives from EU countries working in the UK that their work status would be safe after Brexit.
On top of that, the manifesto also draws attention to the public health roles that nurses play in supporting women and families after the birth.
Another important point was found to be fair pay for NHS midwives and maternity support workers. The manifesto has called for the NHS Pay Review Body to be allowed to make recommendations on pay without any interference from the government.
This follows the Labour Party vowing to scrap the 1% cap on public sector pay that has seen wages fall significantly in real terms over the past five years.
“We are calling on the government in power after the election to invest in the NHS, invest in maternity services and invest in midwives and maternity support workers,” commented RCM chief executive Cathy Warwick.
“Services need to be given the resources to meet the demands they are facing. At the moment, this is not the case and the safety and quality of care that many women receive is simply not good enough.
“We have also seen pay freezes and pay restraint that means our midwives and other NHS staff are significantly worse off, indeed have effectively had a £6,000 pay cut. Investing in staff is an investment in the NHS and an investment in patient care.”
Top Image: David Jones, Press Association
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