When: Wednesday, September 27 @ 2:30pm
Where: https://ubc.zoom.us/j/69133930641?pwd=bmpJS3lZSksrVWVKZU1CakFHSTNqdz09
Abstract
In 2019 the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was 17.5 per 100,000, while the MMR was 5.5 for non-Indigenous women. The Growing Deadly Families strategy (the strategy) aims to improve outcomes for women birthing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies within Queensland. Through the implementation of First Nations led, codesigned models of care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies will have a stronger start to life
The aim of the strategy is to ensure that every woman in Queensland, giving birth to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander baby, has high quality and culturally capable maternity services. This strategy highlights that the continuity of midwifery carer model works best when local services are supported to work together to achieve optimal care for their communities.
The strategy addresses key areas to improve maternity services for Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. When mothers are healthy, before and during pregnancy, the likelihood of full-term pregnancies and babies being born at a healthy birthweight increases. Listening to the voices of our mob we heard “We want a say in how maternity services are designed and delivered”. Our action is to form meaningful working partnerships for strong governance and leadership. “We don’t want to keep telling our same story to different people”. This requires that every women has access to continuity of carer. “We want more of our people providing our maternity care”, which is embedding First Nations led models of care.
This presentation will share the work occurring under this strategy, and the innovative codesigned continuity of midwifery carer models being implemented. Clinical outcome data will be presented from these models, including improved preterm birth rates, mode of birth and consumers’ perspective.
About the Presenters
Melina Connors – Clinical Midwife Coordinator, Growing Deadly Families Strategy (OCNMO)
Melina is a proud Gurindji woman from the Northern Territory. With over 10 years clinical experience as a midwife and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer. Melina’s journey into midwifery was by identifying the need for creating a healthcare experience that is culturally safe and to make a difference in the care of Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander women and families.
Melina is committed to the development of best practice when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. In her current role as a Clinical Midwifery consultant with the Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer (OCNMO) Queensland, Melina provides cultural and midwifery expertise to support the Hospital and Health Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations in the codesign of midwifery continuity of care and carer models for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, babies and families. Melina is the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) 2023 Midwife of the year.
Sonita Giudice – Clinical Midwife Coordinator, Growing Deadly Families Strategy (OCNMO)
Sonita is a proud Gunggari and Wakka Wakka woman from Queensland. Sonita has about 10 years clinical experience as a clinical midwife. Sonita is extremely passionate about providing holistic and culturally appropriate care to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women and their families. Sonita is committed to providing enriched maternity care and support to First Nations families during pregnancy, labour, birth, and postnatal care.
Sonita continues her strong passion and commitment as a Clinical Midwifery Consultant within the Office of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer. She provides her expertise with clinical and cultural knowledge to support the codesign of these models of care. Sonita acknowledges it has been an honour and privilege to be closely involved in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander woman’s care, their families, and the community. Sonita has also been nominated as a finalist for the Australian 2023 Women’s Agenda Leadership awards. Sonita is a finalist in the Emerging Leaders in Health 2023 category.