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Off to Ireland

Today I am off to Dublin to present a Teaching Skills workshop for the Irish Nurses Association. It is the first of two programs (the next one is in June) and I note from the list of attendees that many different hospitals will be represented.

I am looking forward to using this opportunity to find out what is happening in the Irish maternity services, especially now that midwives are starting to develop a higher professional profile. Health care in Ireland has long been dominated by the obstetricians, and it is the only country where the chief obstetrician in the major hospitals of Dublin are known by their title of “Master”. Not Doctor, not Mister (as they do in the UK) but “Master”. It says a lot about the way they, and others, see their role.

One of the main themes of this workshop will be enabling parents to develop their skills in dealing with this kind of health care system. The issue of informed consent will be a major topic for discussion and exploring women’s rights, responsibilities and capabilities will no doubt feature.

The Irish can be a feisty lot, full of fun and willing to take a chance. I wonder if these qualities will come out in this group of midwives/nurses?

Posted by andrea at April 21, 2005 11:29 PM