About
We are delighted to announce that the recipient of the 2024 WHA team Medal of Distinction is Virtual Women’s Assessment Service at Women’s and Children’s Health Network, SA.
The Virtual Women’s Assessment Service (VWAS) provides expert midwifery care, advice and referral through a virtual platform to all South Australian women in rural, regional and metropolitan areas, from the comfort of their own home or community setting. The service is available to women who are; pregnant less than 20 weeks’ gestation; less than or equal to 6 weeks since the birth of their baby and experiencing postnatal complications or breastfeeding concerns; or are experiencing gynaecological concerns.
In 2022-2023, 50% of consumer complaints within the Women’s Assessment Service related to extended waiting times and the sensitive handling of consumers experiencing miscarriage or early pregnancy complications. This has been an ongoing theme for the Women’s Assessment Service for many years. In September 2023, the Virtual Women’s Assessment Service was launched, eliminating the need for women experiencing early pregnancy loss being exposed to pregnant women in a waiting room and the potential for multiple presentations to hospital during an emotionally anxious time. As a result, the service has seen a significant reduction in consumer complaints from this cohort of women and families.
Consumer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with women describing the service and its staff as compassionate, informative, personable, and supportive through what can be a highly emotional and challenging time. Consumers value the streamlined care where a coordinated and structured plan is made from a midwife providing continuity and informed choices.
Congratulations to the Virtual Women’s Assessment Service Team on receiving this award!
The 2024 Team Medal of Distinction Nominees
WHA would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions to women’s health of the following individuals who were nominated for this award. Each of these individuals go above and beyond to make a positive difference to women and their newborns and are an inspiration to their peers, and to the whole WHA community. Congratulations and thank you for your ongoing leadership.
Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital
In recognition of your significant contributions to high-risk pregnancy care, research and education.
Senior Midwifery Advisor Team, Retrieval Services QLD
In recognition of your significant efforts to provide safe and accessible maternity care for all women in QLD regardless of the location within which they chose to live.
The WACHS Lactation Consultant Telehealth Service, Western Australia Country Health Service
In recognition of your significant contributions to equitable access to breastfeeding and lactation support for all country women within Western Australia.
Pasteurised Donor Human Milk Project Team, Fiona Stanley Hospital
In recognition of your considerable efforts to establish equitable quality care and access to Pasteurised Donor Human Milk.
The Consumer Liaison Midwife team, Western Health
In recognition of your invaluable work to provide psychologically and culturally safe, collaborative birth debrief for women and birthing people who have experienced birth trauma.
