Summary
- An experienced midwife dedicated to excellence in midwifery care has commenced as the new Director of Midwifery for TCHHS
- Ms O’Connor will oversee the MGP teams in Weipa, Thursday Island and Cooktown.
- Ms O'Connor recently as Queensland Health’s Assistant Director of Midwifery in the Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer in Brisbane.
An experienced midwife dedicated to excellence in midwifery care for women in rural and remote areas has commenced as the new Director of Midwifery for Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.
Michelle O’Connor joined the health service in February and is based in Weipa. Ms O’Connor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, most recently as Queensland Health’s Assistant Director of Midwifery in the Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer in Brisbane.
Her appointment comes as TCHHS prepares to re-commence birthing services at Weipa Integrated Health Service later this month.
Ms O’Connor said she was focused on supporting midwives to work in continuity of care and to scope of practice that will benefit the women they are caring for. “I’m excited to have joined Torres and Cape HHS and am committed to ensuring rural and remote women get the best possible care – both clinically and culturally,” she said.
Ms O’Connor previously spent about 10 years working in New Zealand in her early career as a lead maternity carer offering continuity of midwifery care. She said she was passionate about state-wide growth in midwifery continuity of care for pregnant and post-natal women and rolling out of more Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) services, particularly in rural and remote areas.
As the health service prepares to mark International Day of the Midwife this Sunday 5 May, TCHHS Acting Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Sarah Worth said Ms O’Connor’s significant experience would benefit women throughout the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Area.
“We are delighted to welcome Michelle to our region,” she said.
“Her reputation in the midwifery industry is impeccable and having her here, based in Weipa, as we re-launch the birthing service will no doubt assist us in attracting high quality staff.”
Birthing services are set to commence in Weipa on 22 May after being delayed due to nationwide maternity staff shortages.
Women and babies in the Weipa area have been able to receive antenatal and post-natal care via the Weipa MGP team and dedicated child health services. A new birthing unit was completed in 2022 at Weipa Integrated Health Service.
Ms O’Connor will oversee the MGP teams in Weipa, Thursday Island and Cooktown. The Cooktown birthing service also remains temporarily suspended due to medical staffing shortages with recruitment ongoing to attract suitably skilled staff.