The only Torres Strait Islander Midwife on remote Thursday Island has spent two weeks at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in Brisbane learning vital midwifery skills to take back to her community.
The Mater Mothers’ Strength with Immersion programs, set up in collaboration with Queensland Health and the Office of the Chief Midwife Officer, gives regional, rural and remote midwives and nurses the opportunity to develop their skills in Queensland’s busiest maternity hospital.
Katrina Pearson, age 33, is a midwife at Thursday Island Hospital, the very same hospital where she was born and gave birth to her own children.
She fulfilled her lifelong goal of becoming a midwife two years ago, after beginning studying at age 28.
A proud wife and mother of five, Mrs Pearson, is deeply connected to the community she serves.
“It’s my people, I’m delivering my sisters kids, my aunties, my cousins, my nieces,” she said.
“Everyone knows everyone and my midwifery doesn’t stop at the hospital; it’s my part in the community”.
Working on Thursday Island, which has a population of just 2,805 residents, means Mrs Pearson is not often exposed to high-risk and pre-term births.
Participating in the Mater Mothers’ SwIM program has given her that experience and the confidence to navigate complex situations when they arise on Thursday Island.
In her two weeks at Mater Mothers’, Mrs Pearson has helped deliver 32-week pre-term twins, seen the care involved when the hospital receives a 26-week pre-term baby and learned from the perinatal loss team.
“Working remotely means it can be a long time between each high-risk episode,” she said.
“Like everything, it takes practice and exposure to grow those skills, and that’s the opportunity I’ve had in the SwIM program.
“I’ve learnt so much that I will be able to take back to my community, I just want to be the best midwife I can be for my people.”
The opportunity for midwives to immerse themselves in a tertiary hospital and be exposed to complex pregnancies is something SwIM coordinator Kate Conroy believes is hugely beneficial to those coming from regional, rural and remote areas.
"When participants have had the opportunity to develop skills or reinforce their clinical practice, they can implement it back at their home hospitals therefore benefiting women and families in their communities," she said.
The ability to learn from other regional, rural, and remote midwives taking part in the program has also been a highlight for Mrs Pearson.
“The program is deadly, I’d say every midwife should do it, it’s very beneficial...you learn so much and it betters you to go back into your communities and apply that knowledge”.
First Nations Midwifery Director at the Office of the Chief Midwife Officer Melina Connors said Mrs Pearson had gained valuable experience and expertise during her time in Brisbane.
“Katrina is not only a deadly midwife, but she is also a role model, who provides the best possible clinical and culturally responsive care for mums and bubs in her community,” Ms Connors said.
“Her time at Mater Mothers’ will give her confidence and skills to support even more families on Thursday Island.”
Mater Mother’s Hospital General Manager Kerri Gane said the program was delivering benefits for mothers and babies across Queensland.
“Everyone in the program is united by one goal – ensuring every woman and baby gets the best possible care,” she said.
