First professor of midwifery in Ireland appointed

Ireland's first ever professor of midwifery has been appointed today.

Professor Declan Devane is based at the school of Nursing and Midwifery at NUIG.

Over his 22-year career, he has established an international reputation as a leading researcher and scholar.

His areas of expertise include the implementation and evaluation of models of maternity care and methods of assessment of foetal wellbeing.

Professor Devane said that he was delighted and honoured to accept the new role.

"My hope is that my appointment will enable me to work with those who seek a better service for childbearing women and their children," he said.

"Most births take place against a backdrop of sub-optimal infrastructure, in large and aging hospitals with too few delivery suites."

More than 75,000 babies are born every year in Ireland.