Western Health was pleased to welcome Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman to Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital this week, as the Victorian Government detailed plans to further support Victoria’s nursing and midwifery workforces.
Joining CEO Prof Russell Harrison, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Adj. Prof Shane Crowe and Divisional Director Women’s and Children’s Lisa Smith, our special guests toured one of our maternity wards, chatted with our wonderful staff – and met parents Asha and Nimish, who had just welcomed their beautiful baby girl.
During the visit, Minister Thomas announced a $95 million funding package to support Victoria's nurses and midwives, as part of the recently released Victorian Budget 2025/26.
This package included $1.3 million to expand the Maternity Connect Program, which is run out of Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital, providing rural and regional midwives and nurses with clinical placements at larger hospitals to develop their skills.
During the tour, Minister Thomas spoke with several Western Health staff, including Maternity Connect Program manager Kylie Martin, Midwife Unit Manager Erica Crammond, and clinical midwifery educator Kimberley Stevens.
“Our nurses and midwives are at the core of our health system, and we’re backing them with the extra resources, training and career opportunities they deserve,” Minister Thomas said.
Read more about the announcement.
