THE Royal College of Midwives is calling for an independent investigation into the collapse of One to One Midwives which it says has left women in 'anguish and uncertainty'.

The RCM was 'extremely concerned' when it received notification that One to One Midwives was to go into administration last week.

The RCM says it only received news of the closure two days before, without consultation.

A spokesperson said: "We have since been, on an emergency basis, meeting and communicating with our fifty members mostly employed in the north west and Essex where One to One had contracts with NHS commissioners.

"The sudden announcement of administration of this company has caused anguish and uncertainty for women, for whom One to One provided care.

"We understand that transfer arrangements are now in place because the key issue is the continuing care those women booked with the company will now be receiving from the NHS."

"We have sought to work with many stakeholders to ensure employment rights are observed, to facilitate employment in the NHS for midwives and MSWs and to support members at this difficult time.

"The RCM has long supported continuity of carer in maternity services alongside choice, as a means to deliver women centred care. The RCM is working hard to support continuity of carer within the NHS and will continue to do so whilst ensuring sustainability.

"We have argued in many forums, not least with successive secretaries and ministers of state as well as with NHS England that the tariff for maternity services did not support either commercial companies or NHS provided services adequately."

They added that they do not know the reasons why One to One went into administration or what the financial and service issues were in detail.

A spokesperson added: "We, as a trade union and professional body have been engaged in picking up the pieces left over – the service to women and their families, the careers of midwives and MSWs, as well as their employment rights.

"It is for this reason we believe that NHS England should commission an independent investigation to learn lessons, to make the position transparent and to apportion responsibility, whether financial or professional."