Western Trust branch MSW week

on 24 February 2021 RCM Branches MSW Week MSWs - Maternity Support Workers

Maternity staff celebrate MSW week with open water swimming & poetry!

Midwives and maternity support workers from Western Trust gathered at the picturesque Lough Swilly in Donegal for open water swimming as part of MSW week celebrations in November 2021.

Deirdre Gill, (now retired) Clinical Risk Midwife and Chair of RCM Western Trust branch said: “I am a regular open water swimmer and find it very uplifting. I thought this would be a good way for maternity staff to get together and celebrate MSW week in a safe setting. The high attendance shows how essential maternity support workers are in every aspect of maternity care. 

Deirdre added: “I am very grateful to our maternity support workers and I know all the midwives really appreciate all that they do. As a token of our appreciation, the MSWs and Healthcare Assistants received a goodie bag of pamper treats on the day. Thanks also to the Western Trust branch for providing the hot drinks and snacks and for organising the BBQ, games on the beach and the poetry reading! I am retiring soon and really feel that I am leaving on a high, after such a brilliant day.

Kerry Harkin, Senior Organiser at RCM Northern Ireland team, said: “I was delighted to join the Western Trust maternity staff during MSW week, I even ventured into the water! The beautiful setting, the camaraderie and the positive atmosphere made it a wonderful wellbeing event. As well as celebrating MSW week, it was evident that ‘Caring for You’ underpins everything that we do. We need to care for all our dedicated midwives and maternity support workers so that they can continue to provide the best care for mums and their babies.”