Apunipima midwives win scholarship

Five midwives from North Queensland’s Apunipima Cape York Health Council have been given an opportunity to get a Postgraduate Certificate in screening, diagnostics, pharmacology and prescribing for midwives from Griffith University, thanks to scholarship worth $18,750 scholarship from the Australian Government’s Department of Health.

Midwives who successfully complete their Certificate through the Australian College of Nursing and pass as a midwifery peer review process become eligible to obtain Medicare provider numbers, prescribe some medicines, organise referrals and order obstetric ultrasounds for their clients.

Rachel Sargeant, the Apunipima maternal and child health team program manager said the health council staff were excited and honoured to have won the Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship.

"This qualification will enable us to provide a more complete service to the women of Cape York,” Rachel said.

“Currently only general practitioners and nurse practitioners can conduct blood tests, provide referrals and prescribe medicines.

“Eligible midwives can also offer these services, meaning remote pregnant women can get referrals and prescriptions regardless of whether a GP/NP is available in their community. It also contributes to continuity of care for women as they can get more services from their midwife than before.

"Professional development of our staff means better care for our clients.

Five of our midwives will be undertaking the Postgraduate Certificate thanks to this scholarship and we are excited about increasing our skills, enhancing our service and providing greater continuity of care to our clients.”