A Multi-disciplinary Regional Maternity Conference was recently held in the Ulster Hospital promoting normality in childbirth and considering 21st Century issues such as surrogacy, trafficking and lifestyle whilst addressing the challenges of collaborative working.
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Dr David Glenn (Clinical Director, SEHSCT), Hugh McCaughey (Chief Executive, SEHSCT), Eileen McEneaney (Asst. Director Woman & Child Health, SEHSCT), Prof. Soo Downe (Professor Midwifery Studies, University of Central Lancashire), Zoe Boreland (Head of Midwifery & Gynaecology SEHSCT), Dr Jo Ficquet (Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Bath Hospital), Lea Beckman (Midwife, Germany), Zuzana Stromerova (Midwife, Prague) & Professor Cathy Warwick CBE (Chief Executive, Royal College Midwives).[/caption]
Speakers came from the Czech Republic and Germany along with leading experts from Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom with delegates attending from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Maternity Services within the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust prides itself in promoting normality and is the only Trust in Northern Ireland that has three Midwifery Led Units, two of which are freestanding. The Trust is leading on the implementation of the Regional Maternity Strategy and is passionate about woman centred care.
The Trust felt it was important to address the challenging issues that came with this by sharing the knowledge and experience of others who endeavour to meet the needs of women giving birth in a variety of settings.
Eileen McEneaney, Assistant Director Woman & Acute Child Health said “The regional conference was hugely successful in highlighting the range of challenges maternity services face and the importance of strong teamwork to meet the diverse needs of women and their families today.
“I feel incredibly proud of the team that work within and alongside maternity services and their dedication to provide the best possible care and support and where necessary protection for a woman and her baby.”
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