The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is delighted to announce Bethany Riley as its Midwife of the Year for 2023, adding to celebrations held across the District for International Day of the Midwife today.
The Midwife of the Year is based on three criteria points; their demonstration and commitment to the Living Well Together Values, commitment to the midwifery profession, and demonstration of leadership in the provision of midwifery quality care.
Alison Loudon, District Manager Maternity and Children's Strategies, presented Ms Riley with the Midwife of the Year Award in Dubbo this afternoon.
"Bethany has been working at Dubbo Hospital for 10 years and has always gone above and beyond in the care she provides. Bethany thoroughly deserves the Midwife of the Year Award," Ms Loudon said.
"Bethany not only demonstrates all the qualities required to win this Award, she is also a fantastic role model and leader for her fellow midwives and the entire workforce, and she has used her own experience to become a wonderful leader.
"Bethany began work at Dubbo as a Graduate Registered Nurse and progressed through the hospital's nursing and midwifery pathways to reach her current position as a Clinical Midwifery Educator."
While the last 12 months have continued to present new challenges for all frontline staff, Ms Riley's commitment hasn't just extended to her own work and development. She continues to thrive as a mentor and innovator and has recently become a mentor in the Mentoring for Midwifery program.
"Bethany deeply cares for and mentors students and newly practising midwives in a way that empowers them. She is an incredible advocate for midwives and for women," Ms Loudon said.
"Bethany isn't the type of person who seeks accolades, but she very thoroughly deserves this one. We would also like to recognise and congratulate all 14 of the other finalists for this year's award, and we thank each and every hard-working, dedicated midwife across the District."
Ms Loudon said today's local celebration among guests and midwifery colleagues was an important opportunity to thank all local midwives for their hard work, skill and compassion.
"I want to also extend my gratitude to all of our District midwives for the dedication, expertise, and compassion they bring each and every day to their role, supporting women and their families right across our community," Ms Loudon said.
As the winner of the District's 2023 Midwife of the Year Award, Ms Riley will also be nominated by the District for NSW Health's 2023 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
Nominations for the 2023 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Healing Hearts Awards close on Friday, 23 June 2023. For more information visit the NSW Health website.
