The Government has announced plans to protect the title ‘nurse' in law. Understandably, this has raised questions across the maternity nurse and postnatal care sector. At this stage, no change is currently in force, and the detail of how this may affect titles such as ‘maternity nurse' has not yet been confirmed. A public consultation is expected before any final decision is made.
There has been ongoing discussion for several years about whether the title ‘Maternity Nurse' may change in the future. This conversation is not new, and those of us working as agencies, training providers, and awarding bodies have been aware of it for some time.
Recently, however, speculation online has created confusion and concern. Some claims have suggested the title will be removed imminently or that it will ‘no longer be valid by the end of the year.' These statements are not based on any formal process and have understandably caused anxiety among professionals who simply want clarity.
This update sets out the confirmed facts and explains what the next steps look like for our sector.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The Government intends to protect the title ‘nurse' in law
This was announced by the Department of Health and Social Care on 12 May 2025. - No change is currently in force
The title ‘maternity nurse' has not been banned or changed at this stage. - The detail still needs consultation
The Government has said there will be exemptions for some legitimate uses of ‘nurse,' but the full list has not yet been confirmed. - The sector should engage constructively
Agencies, training providers, awarding bodies and postnatal care professionals should be ready to contribute when consultation opens.
What does this mean for maternity nurses?
At present, there has been no confirmed change to the title ‘maternity nurse.' The Government’s announcement focuses on preventing people from misleading the public by using the word ‘nurse' without appropriate registration or qualification.
However, because ‘maternity nurse' includes the word ‘nurse,' it is reasonable for our sector to seek clarity. The Government has already acknowledged that some non-NMC roles legitimately use the word ‘nurse,' such as dental nurses, veterinary nurses and nursery nurses.
The important next step is for the maternity nurse and postnatal care sector to be properly represented, so any future decision reflects the reality of the work and the families being supported.
1. Why This Matters for Families and Public Safety
Clear professional titles help families understand who is supporting them and strengthen public trust in care roles. The purpose of this review is to improve clarity and safety, which is why it is being approached through a structured and transparent process.
This appears to be about protecting the public from misleading use of the word ‘nurse.' The key question for our sector is whether long-standing titles such as ‘maternity nurse' will be recognised, clarified, exempted, or changed through the consultation process.
2. No Immediate Change to the ‘Maternity Nurse' Title
The Government has proposed protecting the word ‘nurse' in law. However:
- The title ‘maternity nurse' has not currently been banned or changed.
- The full list of exemptions has not yet been confirmed.
- The Government has already indicated that some legitimate non-NMC uses of ‘nurse' will be exempt, including dental nurses, veterinary nurses and nursery nurses.
- The key question for our sector is whether ‘maternity nurse' will be recognised, clarified, exempted, or changed through the next stage of the process. (PO-1646964).
3. Consultation Will Be Needed Before Any Change Is Finalised
We have been advised through written ministerial correspondence that further consultation will be required before any change affecting professional titles is finalised.
This process:
- Has not yet begun
- Will involve agencies, training providers, awarding bodies, and postnatal care professionals
- Ensures the entire sector has the opportunity to provide input
Any statements predicting sudden or guaranteed changes to the title are premature and inaccurate.
4. How Clarity Was Obtained
To ensure we were working from reliable information rather than speculation, we sought formal clarification through our Member of Parliament, Dame Meg Hillier DBE MP, who raised the matter with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
On 4 November 2025, we received a written response from Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health. The Minister's response confirmed the factual position, outlined the consultation requirements, and gave our industry a clear foundation to work from (PO-1646964).
5. The Sector Will Be Involved in Shaping the Outcome
The Minister has confirmed that the Government will work with affected organisations and specifically welcomed engagement with Babyem and other stakeholders. Officials intend to gather input to ensure the final position reflects the needs of all professions using the title legitimately (PO-1646964).
This gives the sector an important basis for confidence that:
- Collaboration is expected
- Stakeholder voices will be included
- The process will not be imposed without consultation
6. Our Position and Values
We understand the anxiety this has caused.
When there's uncertainty about professional titles, it's natural to feel concerned about your career, your training, and your future. Many maternity nurses, agencies, and training providers have reached out asking for clarity and that's completely understandable. You deserve accurate information, not speculation or alarm.
We believe transparency serves everyone.
Families deserve to understand who is caring for them. Professionals deserve to know where they stand. Clear titles and honest communication protect both. We support any process that strengthens public safety and professional clarity.
We are committed to collaboration, not division.
This conversation affects the entire sector, agencies, maternity nurses, training providers, awarding bodies, and the families we all serve. We believe in working together constructively to ensure our industry's voice is heard and respected throughout this process.
We will actively participate in the consultation.
When the formal consultation opens, we will engage fully with the DHSC, MPs, awarding bodies, and sector partners. Our goal is to ensure that the perspectives of postnatal care professionals are represented accurately and constructively.
We will continue to prioritise accurate information.
Misinformation harms everyone in our sector. We are committed to sharing facts, not speculation, and to being a steady, reliable source of clarity for our industry.
7. What Happens Next
When the consultation opens, we will:
- Share the official consultation link
- Summarise the proposals in plain language
- Outline what they mean in practice
- Support organisations and individuals in responding
- Coordinate with partners to ensure a unified industry perspective
If any changes are proposed to the ‘Maternity Nurse' title, we will approach them responsibly, collaboratively, and in alignment with our values.
8. If you have questions or concerns
We're here to support the sector through this process. For queries about the consultation or clarification on any points in this update, please contact us at [email protected]
Reference Note:
PO-1646964 refers to the Minister of State for Health's written response obtained through parliamentary inquiry. This reference number can be used to verify the information contained in this update.