New Midwives clinic in Athenry Primary Care Centre

The University Hospital Galway Community Midwives Team has opened a new outreach clinic located in the Athenry Primary Care Centre. This clinic is held every Thursday and is run by midwives from the maternity unit in the Hospital. Pregnant women from Athenry and the surrounding area can attend this clinic for their care once they have booked into University Hospital Galway.

Commenting  Jennifer Duggan, Clinical Nurse Manager Community Midwives in UHG said, “The community midwives team based in UHG facilitate antenatal and postnatal care and support to healthy pregnant women, both in the hospital and in the community.  The midwives clinic was first established in UHG in 1995 and this was extended to outreach clinics in the community in 2004. Clinics now take place in Tuam Health Centre, Oughterard Primary Care Centre, Doughiska East City Primary Care Centre, Gort Dental Clinic and now more recently Athenry Primary Care Centre. In 2014, 499 women had their antenatal care in the community. Healthy mums and babies in the Galway city area can also avail of an early transfer home service. The team of midwives can provide home visits of up to 5 days after birth. Midwives provide advice and support in the care of the new-born baby, feeding tips and wellbeing support for parents”.

“Midwives view pregnancy and birth as a normal physiological, emotional and social life event. Through the midwives clinics healthy women and their families are supported and encouraged to reach their potential in this life changing experience.  The midwives clinic aim is to provide a holistic approach to the women’s care. The woman and her partner are encouraged to participate fully in their care and plans for their birth”, concluded Jennifer Duggan.

Pictured are: Carol O'Shea, Carmel Keane, Jennifer Duggan, Louise Whelan and Nicola Greene (Student Midwife)