Warren Blackwood midwives recognised nationally for outstanding care, innovation and contribution to women

A midwifery team servicing the Warren Blackwood region since September 2020 has been recognised on a national level for their exceptional care to country women. WA Country Health Service’s Warren Blackwood Midwifery Group Practice was recently selected as a finalist for the 2023 Australian College of Midwives Maternity Service of the Year Award for their outstanding care, innovation and contribution to women and babies. Since its establishment less than three years ago, the Warren Blackwood team has supported nearly 150 local births, ensuring regional women have access to care close to home throughout their pregnancy, birthing and postnatal period. WA Country Health Service inland operations manager Jeremy Higgins said the Warren Blackwood MGP was a great example of how WA Country Health Service was ensuring care close to home. “The Warren Blackwood MGP works closely with Bridgetown and Warren Hospitals to support birthing low-risk pregnancies close to home,” he said. “The team are very passionate about what they do and work very hard to ensure the best birthing experience for local mums and bubs — it’s fantastic to see their efforts recognised on a national scale.” The Warren Blackwood MGP specialist midwives work together in collaboration with local health practitioners to provide maternity and newborn care, in many cases saving women and families hours of driving to larger regional centres such as Bunbury or Perth on for pre and post pregnancy services. Local mum of three Jayde Darin said the support WA Country Health Service’s MGP had offered was second to none. “I had the same midwife for two of my pregnancies, so you make strong connections and feel really important,” she said. “Having someone you know support you throughout the whole time means so much. “It almost feels like they’re a part of your family”. The awards will be presented at the ACM National Conference on September 13 in Adelaide.