Rural hospital welcomes first student midwives in more than a decade

Biloela Hospital has welcomed its first midwifery students in 13 years, marking a significant milestone for the rural community. The hospital had been on maternity bypass for four years until it reopened last month. This development is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the unit, as the chief executive of Central Queensland Health emphasizes.

The community of Biloela had fought tirelessly for the return of local birthing services after their birthing unit was closed in 2022, forcing mothers to travel over 120 kilometers to give birth without the presence of midwives. The recent reopening of the birthing unit presents the town with a new challenge: attracting and retaining the skilled workforce necessary to keep it running.

One of the three local midwifery students at Biloela Hospital is Emma Rideout, a 24-year-old registered nurse who grew up in the town and is now training to become a midwife. She expressed surprise at the opportunity to study and work locally, stating that it is a fulfilling experience to be a part of this team at such a special time.

The hospital's chief executive, Lisa Blackler, highlighted the importance of attracting and retaining midwives in the area, as it is essential for maintaining the viability of Biloela's maternity services. Central Queensland Health's commitment to keeping maternity care online in regional hospitals is evident in their efforts to restore services close to where people live.

The medical workforce has faced significant challenges in recruiting personnel to rural areas, but the town's rural charm and community support are seen as key factors in attracting and retaining midwives. With the successful return of local birthing services, Biloela Hospital now faces the task of developing a new model of care and ensuring the sustainability of the midwifery unit.