From cops to babies for top UWS student Siobhan’s big career swap pays off
A counter terrorism officer is finally following her dream of becoming a midwife after a decade of protecting the nation.
Siobhan Callaghan worked as a marine counter terrorism authorised firearms officer with the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) before going off to study Nursing and Midwifery at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) to follow her life-long dream of becoming a midwife.
After spending six years with Police Scotland, the mum-of-four spent four years on a boat working for the marine unit and “protecting the nuclear assets of the nation”.
Now, the third-year student in the BSc Nursing and Midwifery program at Paisley’s UWS has been nominated for the prestigious national award, Student Midwife of the Year in the Student Nursing Times Awards.
Siobhan said: “It sounds very James Bond, but it’s not really like that.
“I enjoyed my time in the police, but you need to do a fitness test every year and I was getting older.
“My kids were almost all grown up, and I started to think about my next move.
“I’d always wanted to be a midwife but when I got pregnant at 18, I put it on hold. I’ve had four kids in that time, but it was always at the back of my mind.
“When I found out that I had been shortlisted for the Student Nursing Times Award, I couldn’t believe it, I was very nearly speechless I didn’t think I’d even get shortlisted, so I am really delighted.
“I am also really proud to be able to represent UWS at the awards as the only Scottish candidate in this category.”
The mum has made her mark in midwifery and is the president of the Midwifery Society which is the biggest society at the university.
She also sits as the Student Representative on the Nursing and Midwifery Committee within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde as well as being a committee member of the Royal College of Midwifery Scotland student support network.
The former officer’s studies have allowed her to publish articles for The Student Midwife journal about her time as a student in a labour ward, and the sacrifices you must make as a student.
She created the handbook on student midwifery for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and won the UWS Court Medal in 2023.
Connor Murray, programme leader of the BSc, and MSc pre-registration midwifery programmes at UWS said: “Siobhan stands out for her exceptional clinical skills, unwavering empathy, and dedication to patient-centred care.
“Throughout her studies, she has consistently demonstrated a genuine passion for midwifery, going above and beyond to support mothers and colleagues during the birthing journeys.
“Her nomination for this prestigious award is a testament to her hard work, talent, and dedication to the profession.”
Julie Edgar, dean of the school of health and life sciences at UWS, said: “We are proud to see Siobhan receive this well-deserved recognition and we wish her well with her midwifery career.
“Siobhan’s nomination reflects the high calibre of our BSc Nursing and Midwifery programmes at UWS.
“We are committed to providing our students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become compassionate and competent midwives.
“We are incredibly proud of Siobhan’s and all our students’ achievements and the positive impact she is already making on the lives of mothers and families, colleagues, and other students.”
The Nursing Times Awards is one of the most respected events in the healthcare industry, recognising the outstanding achievements of nurses, midwives, and healthcare support workers across the UK.
This recognition celebrates the exceptional contributions of student midwives across the UK, highlighting their dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence in maternity care. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday, April 26.
When I found out I had been shortlisted, I couldn’t believe it