The Australian College of Midwives (ACM) welcomes the
appointment of Elisa McDonald as Victoria's inaugural Chief Midwife, a landmark
milestone for the midwifery profession and for maternity care across the state.
Elisa brings extensive experience to the role, having worked
as a Senior Maternity Adviser at Safer Care Victoria and as a maternity
services manager and midwife at Western Health. Elisa has demonstrated a
long-standing commitment to equitable access to maternity, sexual, and
reproductive health care.
ACM Chief Midwife Kelley Lennon welcomed the announcement.
"Strong midwifery leadership at a jurisdictional level
is essential to ensuring women receive the maternity care of their choice,
close to home and to building a resilient, midwifery workforce that meets the
needs of the future.”
“Elisa's appointment is an exciting step forward for
Victorian midwives and the families they care for. We look forward to working
alongside Elisa to strengthen midwifery in Victoria."
ACM has consistently highlighted the importance of strong midwifery
leadership within all jurisdictions. Victoria is now the third state to appoint
a Chief Midwife in Australia, joining Queensland and New South Wales. ACM will
continue to advocate for midwifery leadership across all remaining states and
territories.
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