Exit Memo: Principal Midwifery Advisor

We asked members of the Apolitical Community to write-up a prospective “exit memo” for their role to increase visibility of the different kinds of work being done across government.

Job Title: Principal Midwifery Advisor

How would you describe your job to a friend?

I provide strategic advice to the Minister for Health and leadership in relation to workforce, policy, practice, regulation, legislation, education and research in relation to maternal, newborn, infant, child and family health issues. I am the voice of midwives in government

What are your daily/weekly/monthly responsibilities?

Responding to ministerials, maintaining links with the professional community and stakeholders to ensure they are being appropriately represented. Providing policy and practice advice in relation to models of care, addressing workforce issues in partnership with health service providers, facilitating midwifery and child health research, investigating adverse events, supporting and promoting midwifery education pathways.

What does your successor need to know to succeed?

Stand firm in your beliefs, maintain integrity at all times. Be open to criticism, but maintain respect and professionalism at all times. Ensure you have the profession behind you - you are there to represent them to enable and empower them in being their best selves in the provision of care to mother's, babies, infants and families. Do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, challenge the status quo and be a positive disruptor. As a public servant you have the privilege and honour of serving your community through your actions.

What are some current projects you're working on?

• Economic Evaluation of Midwifery Continuity of Care Models to determine the cost-effectiveness in a Western Australian context.
• Developing and implementing Birthing on Country programs to embed culturally safe models of care for Aboriginal women, babies and families.
• Developing and implementing an Aboriginal screening tool for perinatal mental health.
• Reviewing maternal and newborn service capability across the system, and reviewing caseload midwives annualised salary agreements.

Want to better inform the Apolitical community? Submit your own exit memo here.

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