NMH

NMH | 2024 24 Governance patient environment were noted as points for improvement. Menopause clinics are expanding in each region and our team is playing a leading role in providing information and choice for women in terms of treatment options, with improvements in quality of life for so many women. The Fertility Hub has also seen a large increase in referrals with the introduction of publicly funded IVF. Our team is growing and their expertise is supporting many couples in their fertility pathway. I would like to congratulate the following on their promotions during the year. Rahel Dalton, ADOM, Sara Rock, CMM3 Neonatal Unit, Fidelma Martin, CMM3 Clinical Risk, Fiona Murphy, CMM 2 Postnatal, Christina Silas, CMM 2 Night Duty, Geraldine Walsh, Clinical Skills Facilitator, Neonatal Unit. In 2024, many senior staff members retired from our team after many years of service to the Hospital which was greatly appreciated by ourselves and by patients throughout their careers. Marie Luise Gante, Barbara McMackin, Hilda Wall, Martina Carden, Orla Gavigan, Maggie Bree, Eileen Dorman, Siobhan O'Sullivan, Jean Waller, Lyubov Sedyk and Celine Mooney: we wish each of them many years of good health and happiness in the future. Since 1912 The Linen Guild has been playing an incredibly important role in supporting parents and families in need of financial assistance. It has been my privilege to be involved in the Linen Guild and to witness the amount of support provided to so many very needy patients each month. The demands have increased year on year, due to the level of need in society, driven by domestic violence, substance use or homelessness, all of which are increasing annually and our Medical Social Work team are engaging in this work supported by the Linen Guild. I have witnessed so much change in the Irish maternity services over the last 20 years. Society has evolved and with that, the maternity landscape is catering for a much more diverse and international population of women and families. Birth rates across the developed world have fallen significantly. Women are now having babies in their late 40s whilst teenage pregnancies have become much less common with the availability of contraception and Termination of Pregnancy. Many couples rely on fertility treatment in order to achieve a pregnancy. Caesarean sections are now accounting for 40% of births. Homebirths and water births are also more common than they were 20 years ago. Choice and informed consent are now a central consideration in the dialogue between the health care professionals and the women giving birth. There are many more additional services for women to avail of such as Perinatal Mental Health and Bereavement Support. As a midwifery leader, I am hopeful for the future when I look at my colleagues who are working so hard to respond to women's needs. As professionals, we are constantly embracing the challenges and always adapting to meet the needs of women, whatever their circumstances. I am very grateful and privileged to have worked with this incredible team and I wish everyone continued success for the future in this wonderful institution. Mary Brosnan, Director of Midwifery & Nursing. Mary Brosnan, Director of Midwifery & Nursing and Prof Shane Higgins, Master.

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