Record-breaking increase in birth rates means midwives are pushed to the limit

Posted: 22/01/2013

The Royal College of Midwives has launched its report, 'State of Maternity Services', in Parliament today.

The commentary (which was published last year) says that the rise in births across the country, coupled with a crippling shortage of midwives, means that expectant mothers are struggling to receive the care they need, whilst maternity units are increasingly unable to cope with the strain and greater demand for care. Statistics show that more than half of NHS trusts have had to close the doors of their maternity units for safety reasons. This is in the light of maternity services which are already feeling the strain.

Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the RCM, has claimed that we are 'reaching a crucial tipping point for maternity services'.

Alison Appelboam-Meadows, partner in the clinical negligence team at Penningtons, said: "It is hoped that, in line with the increasing birth rate, the Government invests in midwifery training and provision to reduce avoidable mistakes in the treatment of both mother and baby."

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