Pictured (L to R): Laura O’Shea, Trinity College Dublin; Sunita Panda, Trinity College Dublin; Dr Karn Cliffe, NMBI Director of Professional Standards – Midwifery; Úna Rogers, Office of the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at the Department of Health and Lorraine Carroll, University of Dublin

Dr Karn Cliffe, our Director of Midwifery recently attended the 34th Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) in Lisbon, Portugal.  

The ICM Congress, takes place every three years and is one of the most significant global gatherings for the midwifery profession. This year’s event brought together thousands of midwives, educators, researchers, regulators and healthcare leaders from across the world to exchange knowledge and advance strategies to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. 

Throughout the congress, Karn participated in a comprehensive programme of keynote sessions, workshops and policy discussions focused on advancing midwifery practice and strengthening healthcare systems internationally. 

Pictured (L to R): Dr Karn Cliffe, NMBI Director of Professional Standards – Midwifery and Úna Rogers, Office of the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at the Department of Health

Speaking about the congress, Karn said: “The insights gained from international best practice and emerging evidence will help inform our work at NMBI in supporting high standards of education, regulation and professional development for midwives in Ireland.” 

“Midwifery is a global profession. By learning from international colleagues and sharing our own experiences, we can strengthen the profession collectively and ensure women and families receive the highest standard of care wherever they are.” 

Learning from the congress will help inform ongoing, regulatory initiatives and engagement with stakeholders across Ireland’s maternity services.  

Pictured: Dr Karn Cliffe, NMBI Director of Professional Standards – Midwifery