Communities across NSW are encouraged to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication, skill and compassion of the state’s midwives today, on International Day of the Midwife.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the NSW Government acknowledges the significant contribution women make to the midwifery workforce in NSW. 

“Today we celebrate the rewarding and impactful work of midwives," Ms Harrison said. 

"In particular, I want to recognise the critical role they play in the health and wellbeing of women and their babies.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said midwives play a critical role in the NSW health system, supporting mothers, their partners, babies, and families throughout the state.

“Midwives support the birth of almost 100,000 babies right across our state each year. This is a huge and vitally important undertaking, and I want to thank every midwife working across our health system for their  commitment to providing safe, high quality, care,” Mr Park said.

“I am also pleased to announce applications for the 2023 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards are now open. In the spirit of today’s celebrations, I would like to strongly encourage community members and colleagues to nominate an outstanding nurse or midwife for the Healing Heart Award.

“The Healing Hearts Award recognises a nurse or midwife who consistently provides extraordinary, safe, quality and compassionate care – and we are very fortunate to have many of those in NSW.”

NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross said midwives are fundamental to our health system.

“Midwives put women and families at the centre of their maternity care, monitoring their health and well-being, partnering with them in their pregnancy, birth and afterwards, consulting with other health professionals as needed and improving their overall care experience.”

“The significance and importance of providing women, their partners and families with compassionate care cannot be underestimated,” Ms Cross said.

Nominations for the 2023 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards close on Friday, 23 June 2023. For more information visit the NSW Health website.