NMC responds to CQC State of Care report 2024

“This year’s State of Care report reminds us just how important nursing and midwifery is to people’s health and wellbeing across England. And yet, the findings highlight continuous struggles within health and social care services, for both those delivering and receiving care.

“It’s troubling that the quality and safety of maternity services are an ongoing concern. It’s not acceptable that people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds continue to experience inequalities. Safe, competent maternity care should be a reality for all women, babies and families, and it’s going to take everyone across regulation and health and social care to ensure that happens.

“Our Code and standards of proficiency require professionals to have the skills, knowledge and behaviours to deliver safe and effective care for people when they join our register. For midwifery, this includes listening to, communicating, and working in partnership with women to achieve the high standard of care we all want to see.

“The report also underlines how essential it is to not only recruit, but retain and support all nursing and midwifery professionals to deliver the care expected of them. The findings expose challenges in these areas, with low numbers of children’s nurses highlighted as a prime example. Providing the right environment, guidance and resources for professionals is essential if we are to maintain the high standards of health and social care everyone deserves."

Further information

• Read our Code and standards of proficiency.
• Read more about our campaign, The best midwifery care happens in partnership.

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