Conference celebrates positive impact of nursing and midwifery on health care

In conjunction with International Nurses and Midwives Days celebrations this week, Southern Cross University and the Northern New South Wales Local Health District (NSW LHD) are jointly hosting an inaugural collaborative conference at Ballina today (May 8).

‘Celebrating the Positive Impact of Nursing and Midwifery on Health Care’ conference is being held at the Ballina RSL. Conference topics include: Mental Health; Renal and Aboriginal Services; Reducing Patient Falls; Dementia Care; and Palliative Care and End of Life Care.

Adjunct Associate Professor Susan Pearce, the Chief Health Nurse and Midwife at the NSW Ministry of Health, will be giving the opening address at the conference.

Other special guests are Susan Hendy, director of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), and Adjunct Professor John Kelly AM, chairperson of the NSW Ministry of Health Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Professor Iain Graham, Southern Cross University Dean of Health and Head of the School of Health and Human Sciences, said the conference acknowledged the importance of nursing and midwifery on health care.

“The conference marks a celebration of how the partnership between the nursing and midwifery disciplines, within the School and with the Nursing and Midwifery Directorate of the NNSW LHD, has been working in partnership successfully over the past five years.

“The partnership is bringing about improved patient care, better education and research activities, as well as establishing a strong leadership voice, with regards to nursing and midwifery on the North Coast.”

Professor Graham said the event was an opportunity to showcase a range of impacts that registered nurses and midwives are having in the provision of patient care.

“The attendance by two senior nurses and one senior midwife from NSW Government at this event acknowledges the importance of this partnership between the University and the Health Service, which is leading the way with regard to change implementation in the delivery and organisation of health services in this region.”

Chris Crawford, Chief Executive of the NNSW LHD said nurses and midwives played an important role in patient care.

“I want to extend my thanks to our nurses and midwives for the excellent care they provide to our patients in hospitals and in the community.

“Nurses and midwives are an essential part of care given, not only to the patients in our hospitals but to people in the community who receive care from the community and allied health professionals who also treat patients that can be managed in their home.

“They not only provide medical care and expertise but emotional support and companionship to their patients and their families and I congratulate all of them for the care they offer across the LHD.

“This conference is a true celebration of our nurses and midwives, and represents just how far nursing and midwifery has evolved into a highly professional career.”

Annette Symes, NNSW LHD executive director of Nursing and Midwifery, acknowledged the guests attending the conference.

“The Nursing and Midwifery Directorate is excited to welcome the state’s Chief Health Nurse and Midwife, Adjunct Associate Professor Susan Pearce,” she said.

“We are also delighted to have Susan Hendy, director of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) and Adjunct Professor John Kelly AM, chairperson of the NSW Ministry of Health Nursing and Midwifery Council participating in the conference.”

Photo: NSW Chief Health Nurse and Midwife, Adjunct Associate Professor Susan Pearce.