8th October 2025
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has welcomed 21 new midwives to its team, including one who is following in her mother’s footsteps.
The new midwives strengthen the Trust’s maternity services, which support women and their families, before, during and after birth – whether in hospital, community clinics or at home. They join over 200 midwives working across Armagh, Dungannon, Craigavon, Banbridge, Newry and Mourne.
Emma, inspired by her mother’s career, described joining the Trust as a ‘dream come true’.
Emma McCarron, new midwife and Wendy Clarke, Head of Midwifery
“I trained in both the community in South Tyrone and at Craigavon. It was a great place to study, and I am delighted to be back – it just feels like family.
“Growing up, I watched my mum go through her studies and career as a midwife and she inspired me to carry on that legacy.”
During their induction week, experienced colleagues welcomed the new midwives, sharing advice and guidance while providing essential training to help get them started.
Most of the newly appointed midwives trained through Queen’s University Belfast and completed their clinical placements within the Southern Trust over the past three years. Several others trained in other healthcare trusts in the region or elsewhere in Ireland.
Katrina McCullough, Clinical Skills Midwife:
“Our new recruits have already accomplished so much to complete their midwifery studies, and we’re delighted that they have decided to join our team at the Southern Trust, where we will support them to flourish and thrive in their careers.”
Wendy Clarke, Head of Midwifery and Gynaecology, officially welcomed the new midwives:
“These new midwives bring fresh energy, dedication and compassion to our team, perfectly reflecting our vision of delivering high-quality patient-centred care. Their commitment to learning and development aligns with our strategy to build a skilled, innovative workforce that meets the changing needs of our communities.”
After induction, the new midwives will begin an 18-month post-registration programme at Craigavon or Daisy Hill hospitals. This programme will help them to develop their clinical skills across community, antenatal, intrapartum (including delivery suite, midwifery led unit and the Birth at Home Team) and postnatal care.
