I interviewed at the end of 1993 and started at Caboolture as the youngest midwife in the team in July 1994.

The maternity ward opened in September 1994. I’m fourth from the right in the back row. We only had about 30 staff and now there would be well more than 130.

We had two elective caesars on the first day and I was lucky enough to deliver
the first Caboolture Hospital baby born by vaginal birth.

Trudi Young

First Maternity Team in 1994

She was a young first-time mum and we were all so excited.

Back then, it felt like a small country hospital. Everyone knew everyone, everyone worked together and helped each other.

I remember I could park right out the front of the hospital and walk in. There was a lot less paperwork in 1994 but even then we were excited to be told we’d be moving to electronic charting very soon after opening.

In my nearly 30 years at Caboolture, I’ve worked in all areas of the unit.

Personally, I did further study and got a degree, got engaged and married, came to this hospital to have my two kids (my boys are 24 and 21) and I am now transitioning to retirement.

My advice to young midwives is to always listen to our women and respect others advice. You are never that experienced that you can’t learn something from either the woman, another midwife or doctor.

To young people in general it would be to do what makes you happy, life is way too short to be doing something that you are not enjoying and find something that fulfils you.

I was lucky. I loved Midwifery from the moment I started and have never wanted to do anything else, I was fortunate to find Caboolture Hospital 30 years ago and am really blessed that I was able to make a difference to so many women in this community.

Have you got a story to share?

Email ckw-engage@health.qld.gov.au.