The best and brightest minds in maternity care came together for the recent South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Innovations in Maternity Care Conference.
SWSLHD women’s health, paediatrics and neonatology clinical manager, Karen Sorensen said this year’s event was a must for anyone with an interest in maternity and neonatal care.
“More than 140 staff attended with keynote speaker Dr Hannah Dahlen, Professor of Midwifery at Western Sydney University, addressing the audience alongside senior midwives, nurses and a paediatrician who provided an opportunity to build partnerships and exchange knowledge with like-minded professionals,” Ms Sorensen said.
Delegates from Campbelltown Hospital, Liverpool Hospital, Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Western Sydney University (WSU) were just some of those who joined in on discussions which are shaping the future of maternity care in south west Sydney.
“Many different topics of interest were covered throughout the day including but not limited to advocating for women’s rights, sleep apnoea and hypertension during pregnancy as well as sudden unexpected early neonatal death and much more,” she said.
Despite varied backgrounds, Ms Sorensen said all speakers highlighted the importance of quality of care and how it develops when a midwife, doctor or nurse uses research to refine both their theoretical and practical knowledge.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital clinical midwife consultants Rebecca Moore and Zoe Monro shared their insights and experiences about caring for women affected by female genital mutilation,” Ms Sorensen said.[/social_quote]
Sharon Coulton from WSU also moved the audience, leaving many teary eyed as she shared her experience as both a midwife and patient in a powerful presentation titled ‘the cost of not listening’.
Experience is a necessary, but not sufficient for expertise, which is why Ms Sorensen said future attendance can help with developing the next generation of midwives, nurses and doctors in maternity care.
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