Coded rhetoric: The reality of midwifery practice

In the light of certain failings in NHS provision of care, the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC, 2015) Code requires staff to engage more effectively with patients and service users. An online survey was undertaken by the Birth Project Group to assess how economic stringencies affecting health care have an impact on midwives' perceptions of their practice. Midwives were less positive about their employers' desire for quality care provision than the Code might suggest. Midwives found difficulty engaging effectively due to staff shortages and lack of time for basic activities. Evidence-based practice tended not to be a priority. Some midwives were content with their practice environment, but many reported a range of serious interpersonal difficulties. Midwives were seriously concerned about the safety of women and their babies, as well as about their own welfare. It is argued that the NMC should recognise the reality of midwives' practice environment