Caroline Keown
Chief Midwifery Officer, Department of Health for Northern Ireland (NI)
Caroline was appointed Chief Midwifery Officer for the Department of Health for NI in January 2024.
Caroline is a registered midwife with thirty years’ experience working in a variety of roles within the HSC Trusts across hospital and community settings in NI. Caroline has gained operational and managerial experience over that period, with her focus being on improving the safety and quality of maternity services along with championing woman’s health issues.
As the Chief Midwifery Officer, Caroline works alongside departmental policy colleagues, to provide professional advice and guidance on matters relating to midwifery, women’s health, neonatal and children’s nursing across all sectors.
Caroline has a keen interest in developing leaders within midwifery at all levels and previously lead a team that was successful in gaining national recognition by the RCM for its succession planning programme. Other interests include bereavement care and ensuring Women and their Families are actively involved in shaping and developing maternity services within NI.
