The Mackay region is set to experience a significant improvement in birthing services with the introduction of a face-to-face component of the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery at James Cook University’s Clinical Education Facility. This initiative, designed to meet the growing demand for skilled midwives, offers a regional solution to a national challenge.
Twelve registered nurses have already enrolled in the program, which equips them with essential perinatal skills covering the full spectrum of midwifery from pre-birth care to labor and post-natal care. The course, which spans 18 months, combines online learning with practical, hands-on training at healthcare facilities in Mackay, including Mackay Base Hospital and Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital.
Dr. Maude Chapman, the Nursing and Midwifery Site Coordinator for JCU Ngudya Yamba (Mackay) campus, highlighted the program’s importance for the region. “This is a significant step for JCU and the Mackay region. It demonstrates our commitment to growing the local healthcare workforce and responding to the community’s call for more midwives,” she said.
Previously, nurses in central Queensland had to travel to Townsville for their two-week residential study period, often a barrier for those in remote areas. The new Mackay-based program eliminates this hurdle, making it possible for nurses from areas like Moranbah, Dysart, Proserpine, Bowen, and even Emerald to participate.
The inclusion of Emerald’s Centre for Rural and Remote Health has been a game-changer. “Now, registered nurses from Emerald and surrounding areas can access this training without the logistical challenges of traveling to Townsville,” Dr. Chapman noted. This accessibility has already led to increased interest from local nurses eager to upskill.
The program also benefits from strong support from local healthcare facilities, which provide nursing educators to deliver portions of the course. “Having nurse educators on-site ensures that clinical education remains current and directly relevant to the students’ future roles,” Dr. Chapman explained.
The initiative comes at a crucial time as the region, like much of the country, faces a shortage of midwives. Educating midwives locally not only strengthens Mackay’s healthcare system but also serves outlying communities, ensuring improved access to quality maternal care across central Queensland.
Dr. Chapman emphasized the broader impact of the program. “This initiative doesn’t just train midwives; it enhances the overall healthcare quality in our region. It also reflects our commitment to supporting rural and remote communities,” she said.
The Graduate Diploma of Midwifery is not just about education; it represents a collaborative effort between JCU, local hospitals, and the community to address a critical healthcare need. By empowering local nurses to become midwives, the program fosters sustainable growth in regional healthcare services.
As the first cohort begins their journey, the program sets a strong precedent for how targeted education can address workforce shortages while uplifting healthcare standards in regional and remote areas. With initiatives like these, central Queensland is taking vital steps toward a healthier future for all.
