Midwives provide essential sexual, reproductive, perinatal and newborn health services to women and gender diverse people. On International Day of the Midwife, Island Health celebrates, with deep gratitude for their work, the 141 registered midwives working in our region.
Midwives in Island Health are involved in the care of more than 50% of perinatal patients at 9 sites contributing to quality patient care, safer births, and improved perinatal outcomes.
“In Island Health midwives are not only providing excellent care to patients, they are also collaborating with primary care providers and perinatal teams to bring innovative and much needed services to their communities based on locally identified needs.,” says Yarra Vostrcil, Midwifery Department Head. “As medical staff members, they bring and incorporate principles unique to the midwifery model of care to all of their work, ensuring safer births and quality patient care.”
The work of midwives in Island Health emphasizes the need for One Million More Midwives – the theme the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) has chosen to mark this year’s day. The ICM aims to highlight the increasing global demand for midwives who, when integrated into health systems, result in more accessible, cost-effective care. They are hosting a special virtual event on May 5 to highlight the global One Million More Midwives movement; all are welcome to register.
Midwives protect rights and save lives. On May 5, Island Health celebrates and expresses gratitude to the RMs working within our region.