The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has welcomed the Liberal Democrats pledge to invest £600 million a year on maternity services, including protected training time for maternity staff and measures to improve workforce capacity.
Dr Alison Wright, President at the RCOG, said:
“We warmly welcome the recognition that maternity services need ringfenced, sustained investment to keep women and babies safe – and this is something the RCOG has long called for.
“Any calls to expand the workforce are welcome, particularly as we know that there are staffing gaps across almost every rota in the country. This must be underpinned by a properly funded plan for retention and training, so that staff are equipped and supported to deliver safe, personalised and compassionate care.
“Calls for consultant cover round the clock on every labour ward would require very careful consideration, significant investment, and future workforce planning to achieve. Most importantly, the safety of women and babies, should be prioritised at all times.
"We are now at a turning point in maternity care, where reports and recommendations must become action. The RCOG is absolutely committed to supporting safe maternity care, as a member of the national taskforce, and through working with partners across the sector to provide the improvements that women, babies and maternity staff need and deserve."
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The College is committed to improve maternity safety through its Supporting Safe Maternity Care programme. Read more here: Supporting safer maternity care | RCOG
- The College also has an OASI Care Bundle that aims to supports maternity units to reduce severe perineal tears through evidence-based interventions and quality improvement approaches. Read more here: Third- and fourth-degree tears (OASI) | RCOG
- The College continues to support better management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), including through an upcoming dedicated training day focused on prevention, recognition and emergency response. More information available here: World PPH Day 2026: Implementing the PPH Bundle Tickets, Monday, October 5 • 10 AM - 4 PM | Eventbrite