San Registered nurse and midwife Emily Turaganivalu has been named the Johnson and Johnson NSW Midwife of 2016.

26 year old Emily won the award from close to 200 nominations from across the State. Her choice has been endorsed by the Australian College of Nursing.

Emily remembers she was inspired to care for babies after her cousin had a baby.  “I asked mum what job you need to do to look after babies? I love the fact that I am involved in the biggest day in people’s lives. It’s not a job, it’s a privilege. If I am the one to deliver the baby it makes my whole week. I love it - and my parents tell me they can see that I love what I do”.

After completing her registered nursing training at Avondale College with clinical placement at the San Emily completed her specialist midwifery 12 month course and is now undertaking the Midwifery new graduate program.

Announced on International Midwives Day, 5th May, Emily’s maternity ward colleagues gathered for a small ceremony to mark the event.

Emily’s award was as a result of nomination by a San mother whom she helped during the delivery of her third child. San mother Lauren had her third baby, Belle at the San last year.  Lauren says that during her daughter Belle’s birth Emily encouraged her constantly, maintained eye contact, and was bright and empathetic.

“We established a really good relationship and Emily was really fun and smiling which made a massive difference. She is just a very warm, nice and kind person to be around. She is a great supporting midwife.”

Heather Winter, Maternity Nursing Unit Manager, reaffirmed the award saying Emily is a fantastic midwife to all mothers. “She is just a happy, pleasant girl to work with; she’s always open with all mothers and works with them.”

Heather also commended the efforts of around 100 midwives working at the San.

“Our staff are top-notch. We have both the young ones coming through the new graduate program and the experienced midwives who have the expertise.”

At the award ceremony, Johnson and Johnson representative and midwife Jo Bridgman congratulated Emily and all midwives.

“We would like to acknowledge midwives and the amazing effect they have on the outcome, and on mothers.”

Emily says she loves the San and the respect the Obstetricians show for the skills of midwives.

Emily was presented with a certificate, a gift pack and a $300 gift voucher for books. 

Click here to read the story in the North Shore Times on May 6th 2016.

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