Lynn McInally

I commenced my professional career working in Guernsey, Channel Islands, where I developed strong foundations in woman-centred, autonomous midwifery practice within a smaller, close-knit maternity service. I subsequently returned to the UK and joined the National Health Service (NHS).

Within this role, I provided high-quality, evidence-based midwifery care in accordance with NMC standards and local and national clinical guidelines. The rotational nature of the post enabled me to gain extensive experience across antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care settings, including high-risk obstetrics. This breadth of experience strengthened my clinical decision-making, communication skills, and ability to provide safe, compassionate, and individualised care to women and their families across the childbirth continuum.

In 2013, I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Imaging at the University of Cumbria. In this post, I performed and reported obstetric ultrasound examinations, including early pregnancy, anomaly, growth, and Doppler scans, within a large tertiary referral centre. I worked closely within multidisciplinary teams, supporting complex clinical decision-making, contributing to care planning, and communicating sensitive findings to women and their families with professionalism and empathy.

This specialist role required a high level of technical expertise, clinical judgement, and emotional intelligence, particularly when supporting women experiencing pregnancy complications or adverse outcomes. My combined midwifery and ultrasound skill set enabled me to streamline care pathways, enhance continuity of care, and provide timely, accurate information, supporting women and families during what were often highly challenging and distressing periods of their lives. As my passion for ultrasound and lifelong learning continued to develop, I went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Ultrasound, followed by a Master of Science in Medical Imaging.

In 2021, I made the transition from clinical practice within the NHS into Higher Education, taking up the post of Lecturer within the School of Health and Life Sciences at the University of the West of Scotland. In this role, I hold a high degree of responsibility for promoting excellence in learning and teaching across the pre-registration midwifery programme at both BSc and MSc levels. I am both Module Co-ordinator and Year 3 Lead, act as module moderator and ensure academic standards are maintained in line with university and professional regulatory requirements. I also supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research dissertations, provide pastoral and academic support to students, and act as a liaison lecturer for practice placements, working collaboratively with clinical partners to support student learning and progression.

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority, and currently a registered teacher on the NMC register.

My main areas of academic and professional interest include obstetric ultrasound, research methods, and holistic wellbeing, with a particular focus on integrating clinical expertise, education, and research to enhance both learning and healthcare outcomes.