Long COVID: the lingering crisis in maternity services

Article


Killingley, J. 2025. Long COVID: the lingering crisis in maternity services. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest. 35 (2), pp. 169-170.
TypeArticle
TitleLong COVID: the lingering crisis in maternity services
AuthorsKillingley, J.
Abstract

Maternity services are in crisis, with 65 per cent of units unsafe (Royal College of Midwives (RCM) 2024) and midwives facing immense pressures. The RCM’s alarming statistics reflect staff shortages, burnout and an environment that feels unsustainable. Negative media portrayals worsen the situation, eroding public trust and further demoralising midwives. Fear among birthing families adds to midwives’ stress, and moral injury is common as they struggle to provide quality care. Despite extraordinary dedication, many midwives are leaving the profession. Urgent systemic change is needed: investment in support, education and staff is crucial to rebuild a safe, sustainable service and restore hope to maternity professionals

Keywordsmidwife; covid
Sustainable Development Goals3 Good health and well-being
Middlesex University ThemeHealth & Wellbeing
PublisherMidwives Information and Resource Service
JournalMIDIRS Midwifery Digest
ISSN0961-5555
Electronic2631-8814
Publication dates
PrintJun 2025
Publication process dates
Accepted06 Jan 2025
Deposited04 Jun 2025
Output statusPublished
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Open
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
Copyright Statement

Killingley J. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 35, no 2, June 2025, pp 169-170. Original article. © MIDIRS 2025. MIDIRS (https://www.midirs.org/) retains the copyright of this article.
The published full text reproduced in this repository is in accordance with the MIDIRs repository policy detailed in 'Copyright information about sharing your MIDIRS Digest article' at https://rcm.org.uk/midirs/midirs-midwifery-digest/write-for-midwifer...

LanguageEnglish
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