A midwife with over 30 years clinical, academic and strategic midwifery experience has been appointed as the new Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Director for Northern Ireland.
Dr Dale Spence has held several midwifery roles throughout her longstanding career including at government level, as Midwifery Officer within the Chief Nursing Officers senior team in Northern Ireland.
Dale’s background in midwifery practice, professional leadership and policy in all matters relating to the midwifery services agenda in Northern Ireland will undoubtedly be invaluable in her new role.
Commenting on her appointment as the new RCM Director for Northern Ireland, Dr Dale Spence, said:
“I’m excited to take on this strategic role as the new RCM Director for Northern Ireland and join team RCM. Throughout my career I have worked in partnership with RCM in both Northern Ireland and the UK and benefitted from strong partnership and collaborative working. I also want to make a difference and improve the working lives of midwives, maternity support workers and midwifery students working in services here in Northern Ireland and to ultimately improve the experience of those using our maternity services and ensure the midwifery profession is represented at the highest level. I’m excited and determined to work alongside members and resolutely forge ahead together with purpose to ensure the safety of women and families in our care across Northern Ireland.”
Dale’s involvement with the RCM goes back many years, having previously completed two terms of office as an elected Council member for Northern Ireland of the Royal College of Midwives, sat on various RCM Committees, was Vice Chair of the former Advisory Board of RCM NI and was Chair of the RCM Belfast Branch for several terms. Currently Dale works for the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland where she provides professional midwifery leadership across the Health and Social Care System in Northern Ireland.
Commenting, RCM’s Chief Executive, Gill Walton said:
“We are really looking forward to Dale joining us, she picks up the mantel at a really busy and transformative time for maternity services and our members in Northern Ireland. There is much work to do, but I know from working with Dale in her various roles that her experience and passion for midwifery will be an asset to our team and members in Northern Ireland.”
Dale’s appointment follows the retirement of Karen Murray and currently Anne Wilson remains the RCM’s Interim Director for Northern Ireland until Dale takes up the post on 9 September.
Dale added:
“There are many challenges that will undoubtedly keep me busy, but with that comes opportunity, and I have worked with amazing midwives over the course of my career and collectively, we have a real opportunity across Northern Ireland and the UK to think strategically, be courageous, be visionary and make this right for women and families using our maternity services, and for our midwives, maternity support workers and students, now and for future generations. I look forward to meeting our members in due course when I take up the post in September.”
ENDS
