A Parkes heath professional received a welcome surprise recently when she was named Midwife of the Year.
The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) announced Cath Byrnes as its Midwife of the Year when celebrating International Day of the Midwife.
“It was a surprise and an honour,” Cath told The Parkes Phoenix. “It is also nice to be acknowledged.” Cath has been a midwife for 23 years and has lived in Parkes for the past 20 years.
She said the award encouraged her to continue her studies and to become a lactation consultant. “The course is for 12 months and I have to pass an exam in order to become a clinical expert in breastfeeding.”
Executive Director Quality, Clinical Safety and Midwifery Adrian Fahy said: “Cath is a hard-working midwife and an asset to the Lachlan Health Service team in Parkes. Cath shows great innovation and initiatives towards clinical education and mentoring new staff”.
He said Cath not only demonstrated all of the required qualities, but was also a fantastic role model to not only other midwives but staff across the hospital.
“Cath’s passion is women centred care and looking at the family as a whole unit and adjusting her care to suit the woman’s needs,” Adrian said.
Over the past 12 months Cath has been working to improve patient outcomes through educating staff. Cath not only attended training to develop her own skills but then brought the training back and developed training sessions for staff at the Lachlan Health Service.
“Cath is a role model and mentor to new graduates and students and is seen as a senior staff member in the unit that staff can approach for direction and learning.”
“We are extremely proud of Cath, and her passion and dedication to providing excellent care to our women.”