Warren Blackwood midwifery staff recognised on national stage

WA Country Health Service’s Warren Blackwood Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) has been selected as a finalist for the 2023 Australian College of Midwives (ACM) Maternity Service of the Year Award.

The Warren Blackwood MGP provides care to women on country and close to home throughout their pregnancy, birthing and postnatal period alongside local GPs.

One of seven midwife-led services in regional WA, the Warren Blackwood team has supported nearly 150 local births since September 2020.

Antenatal and postnatal care is delivered both at home and in the hospital with outreach clinics also offered to families in Boyup Brook and down to Pemberton.

WA Country Health Service Inland Operations Manager Jeremy Higgins said the Warren Blackwood MGP was a great example of how WA Country Health Service was ensuring care close to home.

“The Warren Blackwood MGP works closely with Bridgetown and Warren Hospitals to support birthing low-risk pregnancies close to home,” he said.

“The team are very passionate about what they do and work very hard to ensure the best birthing experience for local mums and bubs – it’s fantastic to see their efforts recognised on a national scale.”

Local mum of three Jayde Darin said the support WA Country Health Service’s MGP had offered was second to none.

“I had the same midwife for two of my pregnancies, so you make strong connections and feel really important,” Ms Darin said.

“Having someone you know support you throughout the whole time means so much.

“It almost feels like they’re a part of your family”.

The awards will be presented at the ACM National Conference on 13 September in Adelaide.