FROME birth workers, midwives and families came together last month to call on the government to address the ‘urgent crisis’ in maternity services.
Between 50 to 60 people took part in the vigil held in Victoria Park – one of many held across the UK that day, organised by the grassroots movement, March with Midwives.
The group is urging the government to act now to tackle staffing shortages and safety in maternity units.
The nationwide vigils focussed on four demands, calling on the government to listen to all staff and service users and their advocates; fund emergency retention of staff; enable all qualified midwives who are willing to work and support students to enter training and finish their courses; reduce demands on staff.
“It is clear that maternity services in the UK are in crisis,” said the March with Midwives’ steering group, “giving birth in the UK; a high-income country, is becoming critically unsafe.
“This is unacceptable. Where we have women, birthing people and babies at risk; their families, communities and countries become sick. This is a genuine national emergency which impacts every level of society.
“We call on the UK government to implement urgent crisis management and resources. Government promises are not being kept and the All Party Parliamentary Group for Maternity must take responsibility for their silence and call for immediate action.”
Photographs by Megaphone Creative
