​People across NSW are encouraged to celebrate and recognise midwives for their contribution to the NSW health system this International Day of the Midwife.

Health Minister Ryan Park said midwives are highly valued for their incredible work supporting women, their babies and families at such an important time in their lives.

“I thank every midwife across the NSW Health system for their ongoing commitment to providing safe and high-quality midwifery care to keep mothers and babies healthy across the state,” Mr Park said.

“The dedication, skill and compassionate care midwives provide to all women and their families is remarkable, with midwives supporting the birth of almost 100,000 babies in NSW each year.

NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross said midwives play a vital role in helping to deliver safe, effective and collaborative maternity care in the state’s public maternity services. 

“I’m very proud of the exceptional work of midwives in our services, making a difference in the lives of women, babies and their families every day,” Ms Cross said.

“Our midwives are passionate about providing woman-centred care to ensure women feel empowered to make decisions about their maternity care that meets their unique needs and achieves their desired health outcomes.”

“Every year, we recognise the achievements of our nurses and midwives in the NSW health system through the Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, so I encourage people to nominate an outstanding nurse or midwife when applications open tomorrow.”

In 2024, there will be a total of nine awards, including seven local health district and specialty network nominated awards, one consumer-nominated Healing Heart award and one colleague-nominated Healing Heart award.

Nominations for the 2024 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards close on Friday, 14 June 2024. For more information visit the NSW Health website​. ​