Tuesday, 5th April, 2011  

Commenting on the report published today (Tuesday, 5th April 2011) by the Health Select Committee on the Government’s plans for reform of NHS Commissioning, Cathy Warwick, General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “This is a timely report and one that I support and welcome. The proposals are sound and if implemented would help to make sense of what so far has been a confusing and poorly thought through reform.”

“The report’s suggestion for a broad base of health and social care experts on commissioning boards is particularly welcome. GPs are highly qualified but are on the whole generalists. To commission services effectively and appropriately they will need the expertise and input of people who know their particular field. I would though, have liked to see midwives referenced specifically as one of those key professionals.

“There is now an opportunity for the Government to pause, listen and reflect on what it has so far proposed. There is nothing wrong in that.”

For more information contact the RCM Press Office on 020 7312 3456, pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Midwives is the voice of midwifery. We are the UK’s only trade union and professional organisation led by midwives for midwives. The vast majority of the midwifery profession are our members. The RCM promotes midwifery, quality maternity services and professional standards. We support and represent our members individually and collectively in all four UK countries.  We influence on behalf of our members and for the interests of the women and families for which they care.  For more information visit the RCM website at www.rcm.org.uk.