The RCM was closely involved in the development of the bundle, working alongside NHS England, frontline clinicians, service users, Royal Colleges, regulators, professional bodies and charities.  

Rachel Drain, quality and standards advisor at the RCM, said: ‘We're proud to have been involved in the development of the Maternity Care Bundle. Too many women still experience preventable harm during pregnancy and during and after birth, and variation in care remains a significant issue. Establishing clear, evidence-based standards across these key areas is an important step in improving safety and outcomes for mothers. 

‘Crucially, this bundle recognises that maternity safety is not delivered by maternity services alone. It has been designed to support consistent, joined-up and equitable care, rather than acting as a checklist for individual clinicians. A coordinated whole-system approach, supported by a well-resourced workforce, is essential if this guidance is to translate into real improvements for women, babies and families, particularly those most at risk of poor outcomes.'

The Maternity Care Bundle takes a whole-system approach, recognising that many of the factors contributing to maternal death and serious illness sit beyond maternity services alone. It calls for co-ordinated action across maternity, emergency and ambulance services, mental health services, primary care and other medical specialties.