8th September 2026
The Southern Trust maternity team is helping to develop the next generation of midwives by providing high-quality placement opportunities for students across Daisy Hill, Craigavon Area hospitals and community settings.
Working alongside experienced colleagues and multidisciplinary teams, student midwives are gaining valuable, hands-on experience while supporting women, babies and families throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
In partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, the Trust provides a diverse range of clinical learning opportunities enabling students to develop their skills, knowledge and compassion needed to provide exceptional care to women and families. Forty-two midwifery students are currently undertaking placement across maternity services, with a further 20 starting training this month.
Aoife McConville is a Master’s student undertaking a placement in the Delivery Suite at Daisy Hill Hospital. In just seven weeks, Aoife has already experienced the privilege of supporting 26 births, welcoming 19 girls and seven boys into the world. This hands-on experience has provided invaluable learning opportunities and highlights the rewarding nature of midwifery practice.
Michelle Harrison, Assistant Director for Integrated Maternity and Women’s Health, said: “We are committed to providing high-quality antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care across our hospitals, community clinics and within women’s own homes.
“Central to this commitment is ensuring that we continue to develop and support a highly qualified, competent and compassionate workforce.
“We are proud to provide a supportive environment where student midwives can put their learning into practice, build their confidence and develop the skills needed to thrive in their future careers.
“A huge thank you to our dedicated maternity teams and support colleagues, who make every student midwife feel welcome, valued and inspired while helping us to invest in and strengthen our future workforce.
“Well done to all of our amazing students for the care, compassion and professionalism they bring to women and families during such a special time in their lives.”