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Midwives across Northern Ireland recognised on International Day of the Midwife

By RCM on 05 May 2022 RCM IDM - International Day of the Midwife Midwives Community Midwives Student midwives Newly Qualified Midwives Specialist Midwives Director For Northern Ireland Northern Ireland RCM Northern Ireland

In a first for midwives across Northern Ireland Belfast’s City Hall will be illuminated in purple and tangerine the official colours of The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) to mark International Day of the Midwife (IDM) today (Thursday 5 May).

The move to honour midwives and all maternity staff and recognise their contribution to healthcare in Northern Ireland has been welcomed by the RCM.

Commenting, RCM’s Director for Northern Ireland, Karen Murray said;

“It will be fantastic to see Belfast City Hall shining brightly to recognise the contribution of midwives on International Day of the Midwife. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year midwives and maternity support workers across Northern Ireland are working tirelessly to deliver care to women and their babies and 5 May is a day to celebrate all they do. It feels particularly poignant this year given the pressures of the pandemic and the circumstances many of our members have worked through over the past number of years.”

Every year since 1992 on 5 May the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) leads a day of global recognition and celebration of the work of midwives which is observed by more than 50 nations and co-ordinated by the ICM.

Karen added: 

“The theme for this year’s IDM is 100 Years of Progress, and while there is still work to do, so much progress has been made over the past 100 years in terms of how midwives deliver care and that’s certainly a cause for celebration.”

Commenting Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl said:

 “I’m delighted that on 10 May, 25 midwives and maternity support workers representing five of Northern Ireland’s Trusts with maternity services will be coming to City Hall to celebrate their and their colleagues’ contributions to maternity services.

“Those working in midwifery are very special people indeed, and they make a unique contribution to our society. They care for women as they prepare to bring new life into the world – and provide support to women and their families while pregnant, throughout labour and during the period after a baby’s birth. Their devotion and professionalism deserves recognition.”

 RCM members across Northern Ireland will also host a variety of events on Thursday 5 May to celebrate in their individual Trusts and with their local branches such as ‘grab and go’ lunches, with learning sessions. Virtual IDM parties will also be streamed online. While the RCM’s South Eastern Trust Branch will recgonise one midwives decication and commitment with the inangural ‘Hazel McCalister Exceptional Midwife Award’. At the Belfast Trust RCM members  will reflect upon this year’s IDM theme  ‘100 Years of Progress’  with a special exhibition of the history of Midwifery in Belfast.

The celebrations are due to culminate on 10 May at a special event in Belfast City Hall hosted by Belfast’s Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl. The morning tea event will see 25 midwives and maternity support workers representing from five of Northern Irelands Trusts attend to celebrate their contributions to midwifery. During the event some RCM members will also contribute their voices to a special recording of soundbites which will form a collection of stories from frontline workers who worked tirelessly during COVID-19.

#IDM2022

 

ENDS

To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk

Notes to Editors: 

 

About the RCM

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team.  We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team. 

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