RCM: Sustained support is needed
Monday, 25 Feb 2008 10:38
Sustained support for midwives is needed to ensure the NHS is sufficiently staffed to deal with the increasing number of births in England, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has said.
The union has welcomed the announcement from the government that it aims to attract 4,000 extra midwives by 2012.
Health secretary Alan Johnson said the drive would include incentives to encourage midwives taking a career break to return to the NHS.
RCM general secretary Dame Karlene Davis said the announcement "represents a recognition of the need to increase midwifery numbers".
"The RCM will wish to see a sustained programme of support for midwives from the government," she added.
"We will continue to work with the government and the NHS to achieve this.
"This is a significant step on the road to delivering on Maternity Matters, the government's blue-print for maternity services, and providing a quality service for women, their babies and families."