Thursday, 19th April 2012
Commenting on the research Cost-Effectiveness of alternative planned places of birth in woman at low risk of complications: evidence from the Birthplace in England national prospective cohort study published today on BMJ.com, Louise Silverton, deputy general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “This and other research points out the substantial benefits of midwife led care; it is better for mothers and babies, it is better for midwives and it is better for the NHS.
“However, we are still seeing 96% of births taking place in hospitals and this underlines the need to make a fundamental change in the way we deliver maternity services in this country. The Government constantly tells us it wants more for less, and this is a shining example of how that can be delivered.”
For more information contact the RCM Press Office on 020 7312 3456, pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.
The RCM’s e-petition for 5,000 more midwives
The Royal College of Midwives is campaigning for 5,000 more midwives for the NHS in England, and is encouraging people to sign an e-petition calling for this that has been lodged by RCM General Secretary Prof Cathy Warwick at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/13716
It is already one of the most popular e-petitions on the Government’s system, and if it tops 100,000 signatures it will be eligible for a full debate in the House of Commons.
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.
