The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) moves into a new era this week, as new president, Sophie Russell, takes over from the outgoing Rebeccah Davies.
Russell brings almost two decades of experience to the role, including her current post as head of midwifery at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which is a part of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.
Russell has previously held a consultant midwife position for five years, alongside an associate director for quality and safety role. This is in addition to being an advisor to MBRRACE and the Maternity and Newborn Safety Investigations programme.
“I am really honoured to have been elected as the president of the RCM,” said Russell, following the announcement. “I look forward to working with Gill and pledge that I will represent every member no matter their background or their role.”
This comes just after the RCM’s CEO, Gill Walton, urged the next government to help it stamp out racism from maternity services for good.
Walton thanked the outgoing Davies, citing her positivity and engagement over the last three years heading up the RCM.
“She is joining the RCM at an exciting time and will truly have our members at the heart of everything she does,” said Walton on the new appointment.
“I know she will be a fantastic ambassador for midwifery and for midwives and maternity support workers across the UK.”
Russell herself emphasised that she wants to help make sure every family receives personalised and evidence-based care.
She said: “Being a midwife is a huge privilege and the best job in the world, so representing the RCM as president is an incredibly humbling and exciting challenge. That challenge starts today.”
Russell won by a significant margin in the elections, according to the RCM — her tenure starts just before the general election slated for 4 July, which many consider pivotal for the midwifery profession.
The RCM has consistently highlighted the challenges across the maternity sector, but has also urged that it is not too late to fix them. Find out what can be done here.
Image credit: Royal College of Midwives
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