The Princess Royal, Patron, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), and The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), visited the RCM and RCOG’s headquarters in London. Home to a collection of women’s healthcare organisations which are dedicated to improving and advocating for women’s healthcare, the hub has been designed by the RCOG to foster collaboration across the sector.
Their Royal Highnesses heard about the ways in which the RCM and the RCOG are working together to improve maternal health care, ensuring women are receiving the safest and best care possible at one of the most significant times in their lives.
The Princess Royal and The Duchess of Cambridge then met representatives from Tommy’s National Centre for Maternity Improvement and learnt about the innovative digital tools that are being developed to identify and support women with higher risk pregnancies. Their Royal Highnesses also spoke to key partners of the Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth (ABC) collaboration about the development of the national approach to the monitoring and safety of foetal wellbeing during labour, and the way in which the experiences of mothers and clinical staff alike are informing this approach.
During the visit, The Princess Royal and The Duchess of Cambridge took part in a roundtable discussion which brought together sector experts, and new mothers, to discuss the measures being taken to tackle inequalities in maternity care. Their Royal Highnesses also heard about the pioneering work being done to improve essential gynaecological skills at a local level, worldwide.
Every year, the Royal College of Midwives celebrates and rewards outstanding achievement and commitment with the RCM Awards, and The Princess and The Duchess congratulated recent recipients on their inspiring work.
