Tamworth has welcomed seven new midwives into the mix after boosting the internal intake to help grow national numbers, and increase local retention.
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While four of the new staff members are fresh out of university, the other three have stayed on in Tamworth after graduating through an existing pathway that trains Registered Nurses (RN) to be Registered Midwives.
Services Manager Richard Leighton said the intake of RN's training to be midwives increased from just one position in 2017 to five positions in 2018, and now 2019.
"We are playing our part in enhancing the number of midwives nationally, and trying to identify ourselves as a magnet hospital," he said.
"Of the five RN's we took through the course last year three have stayed on in Tamworth, and three out of the five this year are from Tamworth, so we hope to keep them as well."
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One of those three is Ashleigh Foy, who instantly knew what she wanted to do with her life after seeing the midwives in action while having her first child.
"I only did nursing to become a midwife - having four children meant I couldn't leave Tamworth to study so it was the only option," Ms Foy said.
"I love coming to work everyday now - it is a very special moment in someone's life - I am going to be here for 50 years now."
While three of the new staff are from the internal pathway, the other four are fresh out of university.
Courtney Haydon just completed her Bachelor of Midwifery degree in Port Macquarie before being offered a placement in Tamworth.
"I applied for a few roles and actually wanted to stay around the coast, although I have really enjoyed Tamworth so far," she said.
"It is certainly the most modern hospital that I have trained in so far, and also very busy, but the staff and facilities are great."
While the new recruits may put some extra pressure on the midwives tasked with training them and working, the staff have embraced the extra numbers according to acting director of nursing and midwifery Margaret Sullivan.
"The staff have really stepped up to support the new nurses," she said.
"Everyone understands they are more likely to stay if they are part of the team."
