Esperance Health Campus Maternity Unit delivering award-worthy care

WA Country Health Service’s Esperance Health Campus has proven that its innovative community-led maternity model is delivering more than just babies, with the service named a finalist in the 2023 WA Health Excellence Awards.

Nominated in the Excellence in Person-Centred Care category, Esperance Health Campus’ Maternity Unit has been recognised for engaging with the community in the planning and provision of relevant, accessible health care services.

The new model allows parents to access a wider range of options – including increasing the number of antenatal appointments, post-birth physical, social and emotional assessments of mother and baby, breastfeeding support and postnatal home visits.

Esperance families can access the Positive Birth Program which provides expectant parents with the knowledge, skills and support to prepare for a calm and positive birth experience.

Esperance Health Campus Director of Nursing Carla Jones said the team was thrilled to be named finalists in the awards.

“It’s been a journey to get to this point, but it’s been incredibly satisfying to see a positive response from both community and colleagues,” she said.

“The Esperance community have had a strong voice on what they wanted from our Maternity Unit.

“This model has allowed families to build stronger relationships with care providers, and nurses and midwives have grown within their roles.

“It’s not only improved job satisfaction and morale within the unit, but also led to the employment of highly skilled, accredited midwives,” she added.

When asked about the future of maternity care at Esperance Health Campus Clinical Nurse Manager Julia Crispin said the team are always exploring different pathways to improve connections and care to families in Esperance.

“The Maternity Unit is excited about the future,” Ms Crispin said.

The WA Health Excellence Award winners will be announced at a gala ball on 7 December 2023.