Archived Media Releases: 2 May 2008

International Midwives' Day | Mareeba midwives - leading health reform

The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) will celebrate International Midwives’ Day (IMD) this year by awarding an inaugural scholarship for a midwife to attend the 28th International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Triennial Congress in Glasgow.

Ged Kearney, ANF Federal Secretary, said that the award acknowledges the important contribution and commitment shown by midwives to the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies in Australia and around the world.

“Every year Australia’s midwives expertly assist mothers to safely birth their babies, caring for mothers, their newborn and families with professional kindness and skill. Midwives are consistently acknowledged as the health professionals most likely to safely manage a mother’s health and the birth of their babies. Their incredible contribution should be applauded by government, the media and the community.”

The ANF announced that Sandra Eales would be awarded the scholarship.

Sandra, a senior midwife works as part of the midwifery group practice in Mareeba, northern Queensland. This service was established when the Mareeba hospital maternity unit faced closure due to lack of doctors willing or able to undertake obstetric practice, leaving the community with the prospect of travelling an hour to Cairns for birthing services.

“This is a wonderful example of midwifery lead service that is collaborative and utilises a multidisciplinary approach to maternity services. This is the kind of health reform Australia needs;” Ms Kearney said.

“Midwives make a significant contribution to the maternity care and education of families in Australia. It is essential that all mothers and babies benefit from this care, particularly in rural and remote areas. Sandra Eales is a skilled and dedicated midwife who ensures they do.”

“The ANF congratulates Sandra on her commitment to her profession and is pleased to be sponsoring her attendance at the Glasgow conference.”

Media Contacts
Ms Gerardine (Ged) Kearney, ANF Federal Secretary | 0417 053 322
Ms Lee Thomas, ANF Assistant Federal Secretary | 0419 576 590
Ms Sandra Eales, Midwifery group practice, Mareeba | 0434 248 856

The ANF, with 170,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia.