ABORIGINAL nurses have met with Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Victor Dominello today to discuss improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities across NSW.
Amanda Dacey, Ashley Galea, Tahnee Reynolds and Jasmine Wannell came to Parliament House to meet with the ministers, having recently commenced their their midwifery studies in NSW hospitals.
Mrs Skinner said the new midwifery students successfully applied for positions through MidStART and represent the largest number of indigenous registered nurses who have applied through this process since its commencement in 2010.
"Our commitment to closing the gap is reflected in our hospital staff's ability to connect and engage with local Aboriginal communities," Mrs Skinner said.
"Increasing our Aboriginal nursing and midwifery workforce is a key component of this.
"It's vital that women and their families feel comfortable and confident in the hospital staff who care for them. These wonderful midwifery students will play an important role as they develop the knowledge and skills to become registered midwives."
Ms Dacey will now work at Wagga Wagga Base Hospitals, Ms Galea will work at Wollongong Hospital, Ms Reynolds at Tamworth Hospital and Ms Wannell at Blacktown Hospital.
"I applaud the work of these young women and acknowledge the wonderful work they are doing for their communities," Mrs Skinner said.
