UCD Host the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) National Student Midwife Debate

Pictured (Top row L to R): Shannon McHugh, UG; Suzanne O’Toole, TCD and Aryth Stryker, UCC. (Bottom row L to R): Andrea Pasztor, UL; Clodagh Vaughan, DkIT and Ann Nwagwu, UCD

Shannon McHugh, studying midwifery at University of Galway won the prize for Best Speaker at the debate, while the team who spoke against the motion were judged to be the Winning Team.

Opening the debate, NMBI President, Dr Louise Kavanagh McBride, said:

“This NMBI National Student Midwife Debate takes place annually to allow students to engage and collaborate whilst practise their debating skills on topical issues of relevance to midwifery. Student midwives have a unique opportunity to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the profession of midwifery as they research the topic in preparation for the debate. While we often talk about care, compassion, and competence in midwifery - communication is also key. The speakers this afternoon showcased their exceptional communication and presentation skills. I am confident that these future midwives will go on to make an important meaningful contribution in advocating for women and delivering excellent care in their chosen careers ahead. Well done again to all six student midwives today.”

Katie White, a UCD student on the Higher Diploma in Midwifery gave a powerful and moving poem to the audience which she penned herself. The poem was a reflection on the student midwife's practice placement experience as part of their learning. 

Assoc. Prof. Barbara Coughlan, Head of Subject in Midwifery, UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, commented

“It was wonderful to host this year's debate in the fabulous Fitzgerald Chamber. The debate is an excellent learning experience for our student midwives and I was inspired by the quality of the speakers this year. The future of midwifery in Ireland looks promising.”

Pictured (Back row L to R): Assoc. Prof. Barbara Coughlan UCD; Angela Dunne National Lead Midwife, HSE’s National Women and Infant’s Health Programme and Dr Margaret Murphy Chair of the NMBI Midwives Committee. (Font row L to R): Sheila McClelland NMBI CEO; Dr Louise Kavanagh McBride NMBI President; Georgina Farren Barrister-at-Law, formerly NMBI; Katie White UCD; Dr Caroline Munyi Migrant Women’s Health Co-ordinator, AkiDwA, and Dr Karn Cliffe NMBI Midwife Project Lead

Pictured (L to R):  Andrea Pasztor, UL; Ann Nwagwu, UCD and Clodagh Vaughan, DkIT

Pictured (L to R): Assoc. Prof. Barbara Coughlan; Dr. Bongani Sibandze; Dr. Denise O'Brien; Mary Curtin; Jennifer Dempsey; Dr. Lorraine Carroll; Margaret Folan -  Midwifery team at the UCD School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems