Glen Innes Hospital Auxiliary President Jan Sharman, left, celebrates the graduation of 10 new rural midwives with local MP Adam Marshall, newly qualified Glen Innes midwife Anju Kafle and Edna Holder.
Tuesday, 6 February 2018
EXPECTING mums can look forward to a helping hand closer to home, with 10 new professional midwives graduating the Rural Midwifery program at a ceremony in Glen Innes last Friday.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall congratulated the newly qualified Midwives during the ceremony at Glen Innes Hospital, commending their hard work attaining another highly sought-after diploma.
“These 10 midwives will have a profound impact across the region, providing reassuring medical and family advice at a crucial point in rural people’s lives,” Mr Marshall said.
“Having a child is an incredible milestone for any family, but it can be a challenging and stressful time, particularly without professional advice and support.
“A midwife’s professional experience is invaluable not only during the birth, but also in helping country mums make prenatal preparations and adjust after taking their baby home.
“No one should have to travel long distances to give birth or receive postnatal support – so qualified midwives are in high demand in rural areas across the state.”
The 10 midwifery graduates will support families from across the North West, coming from Moree, Glen Innes, Inverell, Armidale, Tamworth, Gunnedah and Narrabri.
“It’s often challenging to attract specialist medical staff to rural and regional areas and these new midwives will well equip these communities for years of population growth,” Mr Marshall said.
“I’d like to particularly commend Anju Kafle from Glen Innes – as the town’s first graduate midwife in 13 years, Ms Kafle will be a tremendous asset to the district.
“A Nepalese expat with an extensive list of professional qualifications, Anju’s newly gained Rural Midwifery diploma further certifies her years of working experience,” Mr Marshall said. “Expecting parents in Glen Innes can breathe easy with her by the bedside.”