International Midwives Day celebrations at RBWH

May was a big month of celebrations at RBWH, with International Day of the Midwife on 5 May and International Nurses Day on 12 May. The hospital came to life with a range of activities on both days.

International Day of the Midwife commenced with a group walk in the nearby Victoria Park, followed by a group breakfast and an afternoon tea later in the day.
RBWH shone a light on both nurses and midwives on International Nurses Day with free coffee for all nurses and midwives, cake and the annual RBWH Nursing and Midwifery awards.

Nurse Philsy Thomas received Nurse of the Year for her generosity, strong work ethic and compassion in the dialysis unit, while midwife Camilla Carrol received Midwife of the Year for her hard-working attitude and compassionate care for both patients and colleagues. Nurse Nereeda Soar received Runner-Up Midwife of the Year for her ongoing commitment to Metro North’s Values in Action.

RBWH Director of Nursing and Midwifery Andy Carter said nursing and midwifery professionals make up the majority of RBWH’s workforce and play an essential role in healthcare delivery.

Winner of QUT prize, nurse Kathleen Searle

“Every day, around the clock, our nurses display compassion, expertise and professionalism in caring for our patients,” Andy said.

“We hear countless stories of nurses and midwives going above and beyond for patients and their families.

“The overwhelming theme is how the care and empathy shown to them by our team has made a difficult time in their lives a more positive experience.

“Our nurses and midwives are creating a legacy with every shift they work, every interaction they have, with everyone they meet.”