As the International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day is upon us, The Common Good would like to acknowledge these proud and trusted professionals who are known for their care and compassion.
A critical role in the healthcare system, nurses and midwives play a vital role in providing the upmost care, support, and comfort to patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments.
International Day of the Midwife
Each year on May 5th we celebrate International Day of the Midwife. Held globally, this day is a chance to acknowledge and recognise the incredible work and contribution of midwives to maternal and newborn health.
The theme this year is ‘Together again: from evidence to reality’ and honours the efforts of midwives and their associations to action critical evidence like the State of the World’s Midwifery (SoWMy) 2021 towards meaningful change for their profession and the women and families they care for.
International Nurses Day
International Nurses Day on May 12th marks the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. Known as the ‘Lady with the Lamp,’ and considered as the founder of modern nursing, she still stands as an example of the importance of the profession today.
Each year the International Council of Nurses (ICN) sets a theme for the annual occasion, with 2023 being ‘Our Nurses. Our Future.’
“Together our future depends on every nurse, every voice, to not only be on the front lines of care, but also be on the front lines of change.”, says ICN President, Dr Pamela Cipriano.
Celebrating Nurses in Research
This year, we shine a spotlight on Debbi Sutherland, Clinical Midwife, Registered Nurse, and recent recipient of a New Investigator Grant from The Common Good.
In 2022, Debbi received the grant for her project – Evaluating an innovative model of antenatal care for young, vulnerable mother which compares two models of antenatal care for young women experiencing significant social vulnerabilities in the Caboolture region.
‘This is my first chance at undertaking a research project and I am absolutely loving it. I can already see the impacts of my findings and how it will make a difference,’ says Debbi.
“The outcome of this evaluation will play a role in strategic planning for models of antenatal care, specific to vulnerable, marginalised populations.’
New Investigator grants are open to researchers who have never received a funding grant and wish to begin their research career. The grants provide researchers with $10,000 to use on a project that can be achieved within twelve months.
‘’Research’ was always a scary word for a frontline clinician like myself and something that I had previously considered to be inaccessible to people like me. I am so incredibly grateful to the Common Good and their supporters for this amazing opportunity’.
Metro North Celebrations
Metro North is proud to encompass The Prince Charles Hospital, Caboolture Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Redcliffe Hospital, Kilcoy Hospital and Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitations Service (STARS).
‘Nurses and midwives play such a critical role in our healthcare system, and I thank them all for the care that they provide to the patients and their families that attend our services,’ says Alanna Geary, Metro North’s Chief of Nursing and Midwifery Officer.
Last year, Alanna undertook a staggering six-day treadmill walkathon to commemorate International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, as well as raising funds for nursing and midwifery research. Alanna’s efforts raised $6,000 for The Common Good and Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital Foundation. As a nurse, Alanna felt it was important to highlight how much time nurses spend on their feet each day when caring for patients.
This year, Alanna will be visiting Metro North hospitals between 5th and 12th of May (Caboolture Hospital, Redcliffe Hospital, The Prince Charles Hospital, STARS and Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital) to celebrate and commemorate the important contributions that all nurses and midwifes make.
Let us take a moment to appreciate and thank all nurses and midwives for their selfless service to our community.
