1. Home
  2. News and views
  3. News
  4. RCM Scotland call for more support for maternity staff suffering workplace stress and burnout at STUC Congress

RCM Scotland call at STUC Congress for more support for maternity staff suffering workplace stress and burnout

By Colin Beesley on 26 April 2022 Midwifery Midwives MSWs - Maternity Support Workers Midwifery Workforce Midwife Shortage Caring For You campaign Stress

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in Scotland is calling for greater support for midwives and maternity support workers facing burnout and ill health because of rising pressures on maternity services.  The appeal came in an RCM motion to the STUC Congress in Aberdeen yesterday. More resources are needed for the NHS to tackle ‘the pandemic of work related stress’ affecting midwifery said the RCM.

An RCM survey in Scotland has shown that significant numbers of midwives are saying they are considering leaving the profession because of the demands they are facing. This is having an impact on the care they can give, and on their own mental and physical health says the RCM. 

“This is all pointing to a looming midwifery staffing crisis and one that could have a significant effect on the quality of maternity services in Scotland. Employers and the Government have got to step in to ensure we keep the staff we already have in the NHS and ensure that the profession is seen as a career to aspire to with opportunity to develop and grow throughout your career,” said Jaki Lambert, the RCM’s Director for Scotland. “This had got to be addressed and nipped in the bud before it develops into something more serious, and before we lose staff in an already shaky and fragile system.”

The RCM’s motion was presented to the STUC Congress by RCM Steward Mary Ann Gillan. Speaking afterwards Mary Ann said she “Relished the opportunity at the STUC to get RCM research on workforce stress over. As a first-time speaker I was nervous but got complete support for our call to action.”

The RCM along with the GMB also issued a rallying cry on investing in Scotland’s NHS. This formed the core of a composite motion from the GMB, seconded by the RCM and supported by the Royal College of Podiatry. This focused on the growing workload for maternity services.

For more information on the STUC Congress 2022 visit STUC Congress - STUC.

Top