Moruya’s Maternity team has been celebrated for their outstanding contributions to midwifery care, taking home the prestigious ‘Team of the Year Award’ at the 2024 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, held at NSW Parliament House on Monday (November 25).
The Awards acknowledge the passion, dedication and contributions of nurses and midwives, who positively impact the health outcomes of patients, women and families across NSW.
In late 2023, the Moruya Maternity team implemented a Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model of care, aiming to maximise pregnancy and birth outcomes, and increase satisfaction for women and the midwifery workforce in the Southern NSW Local Health District.
The local community overwhelmingly said they wanted MGP at Moruya and to birth with a known midwife.
“They are such a dedicated team,” said Sheree Barr, the Midwifery Unit Manager for Moruya Maternity. “They have worked cohesively together to implement MGP to Moruya Maternity.”
The MGP model demonstrates robust evidence of lower intervention rates, higher rates of spontaneous vaginal births and a high satisfaction rate among mothers.
The MGP model has also provided higher staff satisfaction and an increased sense of team morale and cohesion, appealing to midwives because it allows for a more personalised and consistent care experience.
The MGP model is collaborative, with midwives working with doctors as needed, providing a functional and supportive model of care that offers women more choice, greater satisfaction, and continued safety for them and their babies.
“Being able to empower women and work to the full scope of midwifery practice is amazing,” Sheree said.
“I am so excited for the team.”
Southern Clinical Midwifery Consultant Jenny Flaherty was also honoured at the awards, as a finalist for the Judith Meppam Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jenny’s nomination read:
“Jenny is an extraordinary midwife and a wonderful human who has dedicated her life to caring and advocating for women and the midwifery profession. Working as a midwife in SNSWLHD for 35 years, Jenny has made a lasting and positive impact on countless colleagues, women and families. Jenny’s expert encouragement gives her midwifery colleagues a sense of enthusiasm and passion for their profession; all whilst continually elevating clinical standards across Southern NSW.”
Congratulations to Jenny, the team at Moruya Maternity, and all of the other winners and finalists.
Images: Southern NSW LHD
