A new generation of dedicated midwives has joined the team at Mater Mothers' Private Townsville.
The five new graduate midwives include three who have relocated from Brisbane to learn more about regional healthcare.
There are now 24 midwives at Mater Mothers' Private Townsville, which helps to deliver around 600 babies a year. The new starters have arrived just in time to celebrate International Day of the Midwife on Monday 5 May.
"This is the largest single intake of graduate midwives we've ever had, and shows Mater's commitment to maternal healthcare," said Midwifery and Nursing Unit Manager Rebekah Barrie.
Ms Barrie, also a midwife, has worked for Mater in Townsville for a decade and said all midwives need to participate in 30 births before they can graduate.
"I've now been the main midwife bringing five babies into the world and I love being with women and their partners on the most important day of their lives," said India Burns, a recent graduate of The University of Queensland.
"I really wanted experience in a regional hospital and I'm learning so much from the specialists here and I'm also enjoying being part of the Townsville community," she said.
The 23-year-old moved to Townsville two months ago, along with 21-year-old Naomi Speed, also a recent graduate from UQ.
"I really like working in a smaller hospital because there are better opportunities for learning and I can care for mothers and their babies throughout their entire stay," said Ms Speed.
"The continuity of care in a smaller environment is very rewarding because I get to see babies being born and watch them develop through their follow-up appointments," she said.
All the midwives said they were enjoying being part of the Townsville community, where rent is more affordable than Brisbane and the commute to work is a 10-minute drive.
There are more than 600 midwives working across Mater's Queensland hospitals.
Work is underway on the expansion and relocation of Mater Mothers' Private Townsville at Hyde Park to Mater's main Pimlico campus.
"Mater Mothers' Private Townsville will deliver 12 inpatient beds for new mums, as well as three birthing suites, six special care nursery cots and a dedicated maternity patient lounge, ensuring North Queensland families have the very best birthing experience," said Ms Barrie.
