Friday, 3rd February 2012
The Royal College of Midwives supports the RCGP’s call for the Health and Social Care Bill to be withdrawn. Commenting on the Bill, Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said:
“This new opposition clearly demonstrates that our concerns are not a question of vested interests. The RCGP, the BMA, CSP, RCN and the RCM, and many other health professionals are all seriously concerned about the impact the Bill will have on the quality of healthcare in England.
As expected, the Government’s amendments tabled in the Lords this week have made minor changes and left the fundamental tenets of the Bill unchanged. We will continue to oppose the Bill unless the unnecessary and dogmatic focus on competition is removed.
Last month we announced publicly our opposition to the bill. This month we have seen that the Government has failed to address our and others’ concerns seriously. The growing opposition to the Bill suggests now is the time for the government to swallow its pride and withdraw the bill.
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.
