The NSW Government has announced the creation of a new role of Chief Midwife in NSW Health to support the experiences of pregnant women and their families, and strengthen leadership to midwives across the state’s public health system.
Established in response to the NSW Birth Trauma Inquiry, the Chief Midwife will develop policy and strategies related to midwifery professional practice and the role of midwives in maternity services.
They will also focus on workforce planning, training and retention to support the growth and development of midwifery-led care across public health maternity services.
The Chief Midwife will provide their expert advice to Minister for Health, Ryan Park and the NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM.
“Nearly 90,000 women give birth in NSW each year and I am committed to ensuring that all women in the state receive respectful, evidence-based, and equitable maternity care,” said Minister Park.
“I want to thank the courage and strength of the thousands of women who shared their deeply personal and difficult experiences throughout the Birth Trauma Inquiry.
“We will continue to listen and learn, and the Chief Midwife will provide important advice so that we can deliver the best possible midwifery care for women, babies and families in NSW.
“The establishment of the new role of Chief Midwife strengthens our commitment to improving experiences for all women and ensuring they have the choice and care they deserve.”
He said the Chief Midwife will work with key professional bodies including the Australian College of Midwives, and universities offering midwifery training programs.
“Midwives are essential to the NSW public healthcare system, playing a vital role across the state’s hospitals and health facilities,” said Ms Pearce.
“I’m thrilled that the new position of Chief Midwife will provide expert advice and leadership to the profession now and into the future.
“The experiences of women heard throughout the Birth Trauma Inquiry highlighted the critical importance of respectful, compassionate, trauma-informed and culturally safe maternity care,” she said.
Recruitment to the role is expected to commence shortly.
