Students, midwives, nurses, and doctors now have access to an innovative maternity simulation and training centre at Tamworth Hospital.
Officially opened today, the new facility will be run in partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District and Charles Darwin University to expand midwifery training in the region.
The Maternity Simulation Centre features simulation equipment which replicates a wide range of pregnancy, birth, and postnatal clinical scenarios, from waterbirths to complex obstetric and neonatal emergencies.
The immersive learning environment will enable midwifery students to experience realistic simulations in the safety of a clinical environment, developing the critical thinking and specialised skills essential for midwifery care.
The collaboration with the University will allow students living in the New England region to complete the accredited Bachelor of Midwifery and the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery programs (for registered nurses) online.
These courses, accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council, will eliminate the need for students to travel to a larger centre for hands-on learning components. Instead, intensive practical training will take place at the Tamworth-based simulation centre.
The facility will also be used to conduct district-led training and professional development pathways for current staff and new graduates, including ultrasound training for midwives.
The launch of the Maternity Simulation Centre is one of several initiatives underway to attract and retain midwives to the District’s regional facilities, with other measures including targeted workforce planning, scholarships, training pathways, internal secondment opportunities, as well as regular national and overseas recruitment drives.
The Minns Labor Government has also doubled the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme for the hardest to fill critical healthcare roles and tertiary study subsidies to support students enrolled in healthcare degrees.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
“The opening of this dedicated Maternity Simulation Centre in Tamworth is a critical step in our commitment to strengthening and improving maternity care for women and their families.
“This new facility and the partnership with Charles Darwin University represent exciting opportunities for local midwifery students, allowing them to stay within the region while receiving a comprehensive education and practical training.”
Quote attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Tamworth, Anthony D’Adam:
“This state-of-the-art Maternity Simulation Centre is a boost for Tamworth and gives local students the hands-on experience, closer to home, to begin their careers with confidence.
“It’s great to see that students studying in the region can now stay in the region for an essential part of their training.”
Quotes attributable to Elizabeth Grist, Executive Director Nursing & Midwifery, Hunter New England Local Health District:
“We are proud to partner with Charles Darwin University on this initiative, which we believe will open doors for aspiring midwives across the region and strengthen maternity care in New England.
“By providing real-life scenarios in a clinical setting under expert supervision, we can better equip our future and current midwives with the skills and experience they need to provide quality maternity care within our regional and rural facilities.”
Quotes attributable to Associate Professor Rosemarie Hogan, Head of School, Midwifery - Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University:
“Partnering with Hunter New England Local Health District on this exciting initiative has enabled CDU to bring midwifery education to prospective students who live in the region, giving them the opportunity to participate in tertiary education and graduate as midwives.
“Delivering education in regional areas is central to meeting the workforce needs. Evidence shows that students from regional areas that train in the regions are more likely to stay in the regions post-graduation. CDU is honoured to be a part of this collaboration with Hunter New England Local Health District."