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NMH | 2024 215 Education T he Education and Practice Development Department is responsible for organizing and coordinating ongoing education and professional development for both qualified staff and student midwives and nurses. Its primary goal is to equip midwives and nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centred care in an ever-evolving healthcare environment. The department fosters a culture of lifelong learning, encouraging staff to engage in educational programs, conferences, seminars, and study days, both internally and externally. Many staff members are furthering their education at postgraduate, MSc, and PhD levels. We are deeply grateful to the Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit for their continued support of our education and research initiatives. Midwifery and Nursing Education and Practice Development In collaboration with the Centre of Midwifery Education, The National Maternity Hospital (NMH) provides a continuous professional development program for nurses and midwives. In partnership with Higher Education Institutions, the NMH remains committed to maintaining excellence in Midwifery and Nursing education for both students and qualified staff. The objective is to uphold high standards in professional education, training, and practice while ensuring professional conduct among nurses and midwives, ultimately safeguarding public health. In 2024, the NMH continued to offer education and clinical placements for BSc and Higher Diploma Midwifery programs. Additionally, the NMH facilitated maternity care placements for approximately 200 UCD General, Lucille Sheehy, Clinical Practice Development Coordinator / Assistant Director of Midwifery & Nursing, with Sarah Fogarty who was one of 17 midwives that graduated during the year with a BSc. Midwifery Degree, and Prof Shane Higgins, Master, at the graduation ceremony. Sarah now works in the Hospital as a Staff Midwife Children's & General Nursing, and Public Health Nursing students. Sixteen Higher Diploma Student Midwives graduated in June 2024 and the BSc Midwifery Graduation was held in December. Congratulations to the following midwifery students who will be awarded prizes at the 2025 Charter Day Ceremony. Gold Medal recipients: Emma Donohoe (Higher Diploma) and Ann Nwagwu (BSc). Elizabeth O Farrell Medal recipients: Katie White (Higher Diploma) and Alexandra Novotna (BSc). Lucille Sheehy, Assisted Director of Midwifery & Nursing, Education & Practice Development.