INTERNATIONAL Day of the Midwife was on Monday, and local midwife and clinical midwife educator Shae McCunnie was awarded Far West Local Health District’s Midwife of the Year.
Ms McCunnie took on the role of clinical midwife educator 12 months ago, and executive director of nursing and midwifery Wendy Gleeson said Ms McCunnie was a passionate teacher and midwife.
“Shae’s passion for women and midwifery is obvious in her advocacy for women and babies, communication with clinicians, and care she provides to pregnant and postnatal women,” Ms Gleeson said.
“Shae consistently demonstrates what it means to be both a skilled midwife and excellent leader. (She’s) a proud midwife, sharing her knowledge with others and learning from them.
“Shae demonstrates excellence in midwifery and women-centred care either directly with women or whilst supporting early career midwives in the birthing room, or during a breastfeeding consultation.
“(Her) leadership qualities have excelled over the past year including using initiative for planning events and educational opportunities.
“She has also acted up in the midwife manager role with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.”
Ms McCunnie will be nominated in the 2025 New South Wales Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery awards, to be held in Sydney later this year.
Across the FWLH District, almost 200 babies are supported by the team’s midwives each year.
