The Council of Deans of Health is supportive of the work the Nursing and Midwifery Council has launched to develop anti-racism principles for midwifery education. Education is at the heart of changing things for the better and developing these principles, which build on what many members already do, will help ensure consistency across midwifery education. The Council and our members will continue to work with the NMC to develop principles which ensure our future midwives are equipped to address health inequalities and eradicate unacceptable disparities in maternity services for Black, Asian and minority ethnic mothers and babies. 

Ed Hughes, Chief Executive of the Council of Deans of Health has responded to this announcement:

“The Council of Deans of Health supports this work from the NMC which builds on the excellent work our member universities and colleges already do to combat racism in healthcare. It is clear that more needs to be done to address the racial disparities in maternal and newborn health outcomes. These new anti-racism principles will further assist our members in driving change, utilising education as a crucial tool to better deliver for Black, Asian and minority ethnic mothers, babies and families. We look forward to working with the NMC on the implementation of the new principles.”