Midwifery staff from the Regional Hospital Mullingar Maternity Unit, from left: Jennifer Buckley Eighan, Marie Corbett (Director of Midwifery), Maureen Revilles (Assistant Director Midwifery) and Caroline Earley.

Mullingar midwives attend inaugural Midlands Midwifery Conference

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Midwifery staff from the Regional Hospital Mullingar Maternity Unit recently attended the inaugural Midlands Midwifery Conference held in the Tullamore Court Hotel on November 15 last.

Organised by the HSE Midlands Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit, along with the Regional Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education, who collaborated with maternity units at Regional Hospital Mullingar and the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, it was attended by approximately 100 delegates from representing maternity units from all over Ireland.

Titled 'Woman-Centered Care through Collaborative Midwifery and Obstetric Practice', frontline midwives could also follow proceedings and engage virtually through live streaming.

Regional Centre of Nursing & Midwifery Education Tullamore, from left: Orla McCormack, Nicola Waters, Claire Griffin, Margaret O’Donoghue, Veena Lasrado, Mary Redmond, Carmel McGrath and Maura Loftus (Director).

It provided an educational platform for midwives to showcase advancements in maternity care, while learning from keynote speakers from the UK, Ms Sascha Wells Munro, Deputy Chief Midwifery Officer for England and Professor Donald Peebles, Professor of Maternal Foetal Medicine who have made significant strides in promoting collaborative care and maintaining and promoting a strong emphasis on quality and safety in practice.

The voice of a mother, Malvina Walsh, touched the hearts of all present as she shared her personal experiences of maternity care. Much credence was afforded to her valued input, heightening awareness and stimulating attendees as they embrace an evolving journey towards woman-centered care.

Nursing & Midwifery Planning & Development Unit, Midlands, from left: Sheila Browne, Jennifer O’Shaughnessy, Jeremiah Nally, Dr. Mary Nolan (Interim Director),Mary O’Connor and Grainne Keena.

Midwives were inspired and enthused by the interrelated presentations and resultant discussions provoked by keynote speakers, other featured speakers, exhibitors and poster presenters, each passionately representing their individual areas.

The inaugural conference was very positively evaluated by all and was seen as both a wonderful learning and networking opportunity for those leading and providing maternity services in the midland region and beyond.

Midwifery and Support Staff from the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, from left: Melanie Adams, Susan Samuel, Ita Kinsella (Director of Midwifery), Susan O’Callaghan and Clodagh Harte.
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