Supporting practice in midwifery and women’s health

Published: 20 February 2013

RCN Midwifery and Women's Health Adviser Carmel Bagness explains what her role involves

I am the RCN’s Midwifery and Women’s Health Adviser. My role includes being responsible for influencing, developing and supporting practice in both midwifery and in the arena of women’s health.

In midwifery, this focus includes supporting midwives and health care assistants (HCAs) working in maternity, making efforts to understand the contemporary issues affecting members, and considering solutions – where feasible.

In women’s health this extends to all areas of women’s health/gynaecology – including aspects of family planning, termination of pregnancy services, fertility services, women and mental health, and menopause, to name but a few.

As a professional adviser, I communicate with members and key stakeholders to share and gather information, co-ordinate responses to consultations, develop policy, and comment on political and practice-related issues towards enhancing midwifery and women’s health care. This means being aware of the wide range of issues that are impacting on nurses, midwives and HCAs across the UK.

Our latest venture has been to announce a new opportunity for all members interested in maternity matters to contribute to the activities of the RCN.

Why not join a forum?

As an HCA or AP you can join up to three different RCN forums, so depending on your interests you could join the Fertility Nursing or Midwifery or Women’s Health Forum. If you log into MyRCN, you will find a list of forums you will be able to access to keep you up to date with current news and views.

The Midwifery Forum, in particular, will be advertising for committee members to join, so if you are interested in making a difference, please consider joining. You can do so by going to MyRCN or calling RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100.

Email carmel.bagness@rcn.org.uk