9th October 2026
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s newest Continuity of Midwifery Carer team has welcomed its first babies.
Team Diamond is the third continuity team established by the Trust, following Team Emerald and Team Sapphire.
The model enables women to receive care from a small team of midwives during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Each woman has a named midwife within the team, helping her to become familiar with those providing her care.
Baby Art, born to Niamh from Armagh, and baby Grace, born to Nicole from Markethill, were the first boy and girl welcomed by Team Diamond. Both women said they felt well supported and valued having a consistent point of contact within the team.
The Trust established Team Emerald, covering the Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown area, in 2023. This was followed by Team Sapphire in 2024 in the Newry area and Team Diamond in Armagh, extending the continuity model across the Southern Trust area. Together, the teams have supported more than 1,100 births, including 28 supported by Team Diamond since August.
Maria Garvey, Lead Midwife for Continuity of Midwifery Carer, said:
“Women tell us how important it is to be cared for by midwives who know them and understand their individual needs.
“Women are less likely to have to repeat their story at appointments and can feel reassured that the team is familiar with their care.
“We are delighted to welcome the first babies supported by Team Diamond and look forward to caring for many more women and families.”
Michelle Harrison, Assistant Director of Integrated Midwifery and Women’s Health, said:
“Feedback from women and families has shown the value of this approach.
“Being cared for by familiar midwives can make a positive difference to a woman’s experience throughout her maternity care.
“The Southern Trust is the only health and social care trust in Northern Ireland with three Continuity of Midwifery Carer teams. Team Diamond builds on the work of Team Emerald and Team Sapphire and enables more women and families to benefit from continuity of care.”
