Midwives respond to health secretary announcement on NHS staff engagement - Important Government act on what staff tell them says RCM

on 09 September 2018 NHS Staff Midwife Shortage Pay and Agenda For Change

Today the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock announced  that health and care staff will be part of a health and social care conversation, as a new national engagement exercise is launched.

Commenting on the announcement, Sean O’Sullivan, Head of Health and Social Policy at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “We welcome any initiative to get the views of midwives and NHS staff. They will often have solutions to problems they face and ideas for delivering safer and better care. What is important is that this is a real exercise in engaging with staff and that the Government act on what staff tell them.”

“There is a real need to give NHS staff the right tools, right staffing levels and the working conditions they need so that they can do their jobs to the best of their ability. This includes coming through on the promise of 3000 more midwives and ensuring that staff  receive fair pay for their work – as with the recent pay award - and other initiatives to recruit and retain staff such as more flexible working.”

To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email [email protected].

Note 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/.

ENDS