Families in the Mid North Coast region will benefit from enhanced maternity services, thanks to the appointment of a new District Women's and Maternity Medical Co-Lead within Mid North Coast Local Health District.
Dr Marilyn Clarke, who is Australia's first Aboriginal obstetrician and gynaecologist, has been appointed to the newly created role and will coordinate a district-wide approach to maternity and women's health services across Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Macksville and Coffs Harbour hospitals.
One of Dr Clarke's key priorities in her new role is to support the consistent delivery of Level 3 maternity services at Kempsey District Hospital.
A strong advocate for Aboriginal health, Dr Clarke also brings a deep commitment to improving maternity outcomes for Aboriginal women and all Mid North Coast families and communities. Her leadership is grounded in cultural understanding, clinical expertise and a determination to deliver high quality care.
Dr Clarke's expertise and approach align closely with MNCLHD's commitment to closing the gap and delivering on priority reform areas including building a culturally responsive health system and strengthening the Aboriginal health workforce.
By embedding cultural safety into every level of maternity care, Dr Clarke is helping to create services where Aboriginal women feel respected, heard and supported throughout their pregnancy and birthing journey.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"The Minns Labor Government is investing in maternity services across the state so women can access safe, high-quality maternity care closer to home, including in Kempsey.
"The appointment of Dr Marilyn Clarke as the new District Women's and Maternity Medical Co-Lead brings renewed focus to strengthening culturally safe, high-quality maternity care across the Mid North Coast.
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour Cameron Murphy:
"I welcome these enhanced maternity services for the mid-north coast. This will help many women to give birth in their own community according to their customs and culture with the very best of care."
Quotes attributable to MNCLHD Chief Executive Jill Wong:
"We are focused on delivering safe, equitable and culturally responsive care across the Mid North Coast and strengthening maternity services in Kempsey is an important part of that vision.
"Our District is deeply committed to closing the gap and the work underway in Kempsey is an example of that commitment in action."
Quotes attributable to MNCLHD District Women's and Maternity Medical Co-Lead Dr Marilyn Clarke:
"Our focus remains on strengthening local services, so more women can give birth in their own community, surrounded by family, culture and the support networks that matter most.
"This role will allow me to combine clinical work with strategic leadership, which is incredibly important. Being actively involved in clinical care keeps you in touch with the day-to-day experiences of staff and patients and helps guide improvements at a strategic level."
