13 June 2007

Glen Innes Maternity Unit staff recently celebrated a Midwife of the Year State award issued by Johnson & Johnson and the Australian College of Midwives with a luncheon at the Health Service.

Glen Innes Health Service Manager, Cathryn Jones, said the award was in recognition of her staff’s commitment to providing a safe environment, an abundance of choice and overwhelming support for women and their families. 

“The Maternity Unit was recognised as one of two in NSW with the highest rate of births to the number of midwives employed at the Health Service. With only eight midwives employed, there were 104 babies born during 2006, with four midwives specifically nominated for the award by new mothers, their families and members of the community,” said Ms Jones

The award was presented to the midwives and GP obstetricians by Hunter New England Health’s General Manager for the Tablelands Cluster, Wendy Mulligan, who congratulated the staff on providing excellent care and her pride in the staff who were recognised by their peers and community members.
   
Johnson & Johnson’s Professional and Educational Services Manager, Karen McAllister said more and more women across Australia are expressing a desire to use midwives to guide them through the experience surrounding the birth of their babies.

“Australia has nearly 12,000 registered midwives who are quietly dedicated to the point where they may go unnoticed.  Unnoticed that is, to all except those new parents who have already been profoundly and positively affected by the impact that a midwife can have on one of life’s most significant events,” said Ms McAllister.

“Over the past seven years, the JOHNSON’S® baby Midwife of the Year has been a great success in lifting the mood, spirit and profile of midwives.

“Essentially we are looking to recognise the achievements of a midwife who has been nominated by a new mother or her close family.  It’s about the totality of care, advice and guidance that a midwife provides in the care of a woman, before, during and after the birth of her baby,” Ms McAllister said. 

Over 1,200 midwives were nominated for the 2006 Award from all over Australia coming from such diverse backgrounds as hospital settings, birthing suites, community midwifery, independent midwives, and Agencies. They were geographically spread from isolated outback towns to the inner cities.

Media Inquiries: Kay Cope      Ph: 6776 9817  0419 293075      Ref: HNE- 961

Contact: Kay Cope

Phone: 6776 9817