RPA midwife in Hall of Fame - Sydney South West Area Health Service

DATE 17 July 2009RPA midwife in Hall of FameThe hard work and dedication of a Royal Prince Alfred HospitalAboriginal Liaison Midwife has been recognised at the AboriginalHealth Awards. Sister Alison Bush was inducted into the Hall of Famefor her commitment over the last 40 years to improving the healthoutcomes of Aboriginal mothers and babies across Australia.Vicki Wade, SSWAHS Area Director Aboriginal Health Unit said the awardrecognised Sister Bush’s expert input into policy and service delivery at alocal, state and national level.“Sister Alison Bush has played an important role in setting up a nationalmaternity health training program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderhealth workers in partnership with The Royal Australian College ofObstetrics & Gynaecology and the James Cooke University Townsville.“She has also shared her experience and knowledge at a local level formany years including the development of the SSWAHS Maternity ServicesPlan.“Sister Bush has encouraged many mothers to come to RPA Hospital formaternal care and has delivered more than 1,000 babies from all acrossNSW during her career,” Ms Wade said.“Her role as a cultural broker is key in ensuring Aboriginal women andbabies are cared for in a culturally respectful, safe and secure way,” shesaid.Valerie Smith, SSWAHS Clinical Manager Women’s Health andNeonatology said she was honoured to be present at Sister Bush’ induction.“We are so proud of Sister Bush’s achievements,” Ms Smith said.“The clinical and cultural expertise that Alison provides is really important toAboriginal mothers and their families. These women often find the hospitalenvironment threatening and difficult to navigate. Alison provides animportant link between the Aboriginal community and Maternity Services,”she said.Media and Communications UnitPh: (02) 9515 9607/9828 6848Fax: (02) 9515 9603/9828 5796Email: media@sswahs.nsw.gov.au

Established in 2004, the Awards acknowledge the contribution ofindividuals, teams and organisations to the improvement of the healthoutcomes of Aboriginal people in NSW.Issued by Sydney South West Area Health Service Media andCommunications Unit. For further information contact Heather Attenbrow on(02) 9515 9607.Media and Communications UnitPh: (02) 9515 9607/9828 6848Fax: (02) 9515 9603/9828 5796Email: media@sswahs.nsw.gov.au