MOUNT Gambier midwife Rachael Yates quietly speaks to a new mother in the maternity ward about how to swaddle a newborn and the challenges ahead raising an infant.
Whether it is expert advice regarding breastfeeding, a heartfelt reassuring gesture for nervous new mothers or striving to ensure safety in the delivery room, Ms Yates has been working to foster positive birthing experiences at Mount Gambier Hospital.
The health professional is in the running for a Country Health SA award with winners announced Friday.
A number of Mount Gambier Hospital initiatives – including a new 24/7 country stroke service – are also nominated in the state health awards.
Ms Yates – who is the Country Health SA midwife manager, maternal and neonatal services in the nursing and midwifery directorate – has been nominated for spearheading improved outcomes for women and babies.
She has been a key driver in ensuring compliance with SA Maternal and Neonatal Standards 2015 and introduced teleconferenced midwifery forums.
Speaking with The Border Watch ahead of the award ceremony, Ms Yates said she was humbled by the nomination.
“I want to acknowledge the midwives and obstetric doctors who work every day with women and families to achieve safe and positive birth experiences,” Ms Yates said.
“We are all privileged to do the work we do.”
Working as a midwife for 18 years, Ms Yates said her new role required a strategic approach to the governance, workforce capability, resource management, development of procedures, auditing and review.
These strategic approaches also include benchmarking and professional development.
“I monitor and support compliance safety and quality of maternal and neonatal services and for safe maternal and neonatal outcomes for women and families living in country South Australia,” Ms Yates said.
“Within this role, I am supported and committed to working clinical shifts to remain up-skilled and connected with women, midwives and the obstetric team.”
“There are so many wonderful midwives and obstetric doctors working across country SA that I am privileged to meet and work with in this role,” Ms Yates said.
“We have worked hard over the years to establish positive connections and partnerships within Country Health SA.”
Ms Yates foreshadowed continuing to build these partnerships to ensure Country Health SA’s health facilities continued to deliver a high standard of maternal and neonatal care to women, babies and families.
Health Minister Stephen Wade said the list of finalists for the 2019 Country Health SA Awards featured 33 individuals, teams and programs from across the state’s public health system.
“The CHSA Awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible work that is being done each and every day in country health,” Mr Wade said.
“The calibre of this year’s finalists shows that clinicians and staff are working together to utilise their skills to provide the best care for their patients.
“I wish all of the finalists the best of luck and congratulate everyone who featured in entries this year.”
Other Mount Gambier Hospital programs and initiatives nominated include:
Country Stroke Services – this provide 24/7 neurologist support via video conference and expansion of thrombolysis access.
Positive Connections – this program aims to ensure each staff member and volunteer feels valued and connected in the workplace.
