The ONMSD has appointed a National Lead in Midwifery (Ms. Sheila Sugrue). The role of the national lead is to ensure standardisation of practices across the maternity service and the development of evidence-based midwifery practice in Ireland by providing leadership, support, and expert guidance on a range of professional midwifery matters to midwives delivering maternity services, women, their babies and families as well as other key stakeholders.

The National Lead will promote development initiatives thast support choice for women in all aspects of maternity care within appropriate governance structures.