Partnership and apprenticeship

By Jacque Gerrard, director of the RCM UK Board for England (RCM UKBE)

Liverpool-Mulago partnership
Congratulations to Liverpool Women’s Hospital (LWH) who have developed a Liverpool-Mulago partnership. Midwives and doctors from Liverpool visited Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda and have been key in setting up a high dependency unit (HDU) there. Within months of setting up the unit, maternal death rates were reduced. Mulago midwives and doctors have also visited LWH to learn HDU skills.

New course in the EoE
Chelmsford branch have 11 students undertaking the midwifery apprenticeship course, which started in January. With extremely positive feedback so far, the RCM’s Denise Linay, who champions the course, is strongly supporting the programme and hopes for a second cohort next year.

RCM organises MP drop-in
I had an opportunity to attend an MP drop-in session at parliament on 5 July. Representing the RCM was general secretary Cathy Warwick, and RCM members Lynne Pacanowski, Carole Garrick and Yana Richens. We all spoke to four or five MPs who were supportive of our Protecting Maternity Services campaign. I was delighted at how knowledgeable they were and all agreed they would continue to support us with Prime Minister’s Questions and Early Day Motions. Thank you to the members and MPs.

A warm welcome
Lynne Galvin has been appointed regional officer for the North West.
Well known in the region as an RCM activist, Lynne has joined the team for one year’s secondment.

Claire Wood has been appointed regional officer for the south east of England. She has been covering the role in a seconded position since last June. Good luck to both.