7th October 2026
Among the Southern Trust’s 16 newly qualified midwives are several with a special connection to local maternity services. Having experienced those services at different stages of their lives, they are now helping other families begin their own stories.
Twenty-one years after she was born at Craigavon Area Hospital, Jude Davis has returned as a newly qualified midwife.
Christine Jennings and Jodie Nicholl both previously worked as Maternity Support Workers in the Trust before qualifying as midwives. Between them, they are mothers to seven children. The three are among 16 newly qualified midwives who have joined the Trust and recently completed an induction programme to support their transition from student to registered midwife.
Most of the newly appointed midwives trained through Queen’s University Belfast and completed clinical placements within the Trust over the past three years. Several others completed their training elsewhere.
Katrina McCullough, Clinical Skills Midwife:
“The move from student to registered midwife is a big step. We are here to help our new midwives settle into practice, learn from experienced colleagues and feel confident in their new roles.”
Wendy Clarke, Head of Midwifery and Gynaecology, officially welcomed the new midwives:
“It is a real pleasure to welcome our newly qualified midwives to the Southern Trust.
“Starting out as a registered midwife is an exciting time and we want them to feel supported from the outset. They will play an important role in caring for women and families across our maternity services and will be a valued part of our team.”
After induction, the new midwives will begin an 18-month post-registration programme across the Trust’s maternity services. They will work alongside experienced colleagues and build their skills through placements suited to their role, including within community and hospital-based care.
