HSE Mid West calls for nurses to consider career in midwifery
Applications for Higher Diploma in Midwifery Sponsorship Programme 2025/2026 are now open
Published: 19 March 2025
Updated: 21 March 2025
The HSE is seeking general nurses to consider a career in midwifery. Applications for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery Sponsorship Programme are now open.
The Higher Diploma will equip nurses with the necessary skills to progress their career in midwifery and make a difference to mothers, expectant mothers and their families.
The programme is a full time 18 month programme starting in September and is open to general nurses who are registered with the NMBI by mid-August.
Student Midwife, Caoilfhionn Costigan, is currently completing the Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme at University Maternity Hospital Limerick and is proud of her role,
“I am proud to become a part of the midwifery profession. No two women are the same, no two pregnancies are the same. Women must be listened to, whether it be concerns over their baby’s movements or their mental health. The course is equipping me with the skills, expertise and knowledge to support every mother. A midwife's role is to actively listen, and provide care in a kind, professional manner.”
The programme is delivered by the following hospitals and academic partners:
HSE West and North West: University Hospital Galway, Letterkenny University Hospital, Mayo University Hospital, Portiuncula University Hospital and Sligo University Hospital with University of Galway
HSE South West: Cork University Maternity Group with University College Cork
HSE Mid West: University Maternity Hospital Limerick with University of Limerick
HSE Dublin and North East: Our Lady Of Lourdes Drogheda or Cavan General Hospital with Dundalk Institute of Technology
Additional options are available at The Coombe Hospital and the Rotunda Hospital in partnership with Trinity College Dublin (TCD), and the National Maternity Hospital in partnership with University College Dublin (UCD).
Selected applicants will be offered a minimum 18-month contract of paid employment for the duration of the programme and will be offered a permanent contract on successful graduation from the programme. The college fees for the programme are also paid by the HSE.
Dr Geraldine Shaw, Director of the HSE Office of the Nursing & Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD), said, “From the start of the training, nurses will actively participate in giving care appropriate to their level of knowledge and practical experience, with the supervision and direction of a registered midwife. In partnership with women, you will learn how to provide safe, competent, kind, compassionate and respectful care.
The recruitment and retention of midwives is a key priority for us. I’d encourage nurses to consider the sponsorship programme that opens today. It is an academic programme which will equip them with the necessary skills and experience to take the next step in their career.”
For more on how to apply and eligibility details for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery Sponsorship Programme visit the HSE website hse.ie/midwifesponsorship
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