Three Mackay Hospital and Health Service midwives have been acknowledged for their dedication in delivering skilled and compassionate care to women and their families.
Staff from across the MHHS including the Mackay Base Hospital Women’s Health Unit took some time out on Friday 3 May to celebrate the midwifery profession and acknowledge the outstanding contributions of their colleagues ahead of International Day of the Midwife on Sunday 5 May.
The Mackay HHS delivers more than 1650 babies every year so it was important to recognise the vital work midwives do for women, babies and families, Acting Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Paul McAllister said.
“Having a baby is one of the most significant and memorable events in a parent’s life and midwives play a vital role in helping care for that most precious of gifts,” he said.
International Day of the Midwife is a formal opportunity to recognise midwives’ ongoing commitment to maternal and newborn health and always placing women and families at the centre of care.
At an awards ceremony held at Mackay Base Hospital on Friday, three awards were presented to staff acknowledging excellence in the profession.
The award recipients were:
- Emerging Midwife Award (postgraduate): Briony Sheahan,Mackay Women’s Health Unit.
- The Outstanding Nursing and Midwifery and Leadership Award: Victoria Noyce, Mackay Women’s Health Unit
- Exceptional Midwifery Care Provider Award (consumer/patient nominated): Nickey Pilgrim, Proserpinehospital.
Midwifery is a very rewarding career where unique relationships are established with women to make a real difference to their pregnancy, birth and early parenting, Mr McAllister said.
“Today we congratulate our colleagues and the recipients of these awards and thank all midwives for your dedication to midwifery and the valued role you play in bringing new life into the world,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to be there at the beginning of new life as women become mothers and provide the best advice as families embark on the journey of parenthood.
“Midwives provide a safe place for women to discuss issues and build trusting relationships throughout the duration of pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal care.
“It’s through these relationships midwives become trusted members of families and communities,” Mr McAllister said.
International Day of the Midwife is observed each year on May 5 by more than 50 nations and co-ordinated by the International Confederation of Midwives.
