Midwives and students gathered at CQUniversity Rockhampton recently (March 27) to discuss the challenges facing their profession within a rural and remote context...

Queensland Health Midwifery Advisor Belinda Maier, from the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer, provided an overview of midwifery issues, including the role of midwife advisor, the importance of midwifery research, drug therapy protocols, ultrasound imaging and pathology tests.

Dawn Hay (left) with Belinda Maier and Annie EatonOther midwives and student speakers addressed the challenges of new researchers and student midwives, the challenges for water immersion in the bush, contemporary roles of mothers, midwives advocating for midwives and challenges for maternity services in rural and regional areas.

Seminar facilitators Dawn Hay and Anne Eaton provoked debate on whether changes are needed in the profession to meet the needs of childbearing women and their families in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia.

Dawn Hay, who is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Nursing (Midwifery and Health Studies) said participants came from as far afield as Brisbane, Emerald and Gladstone.

"It's important for midwifery issues to be debated and the University was happy to provide a forum," Ms Hay said.

Rachael Austin and her baby Euan participated in the forum 
A circle of consultation