Debbie Fisher elected as Tangata Tiriti Co-President of the New Zealand College of Midwives
Debbie Fisher, Associate Director of Midwifery at Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough has been elected as Tangata Tiriti Co-President of New Zealand College of Midwives.
The prestigious role will bring value to the Nelson Marlborough region and beyond by giving midwives the opportunity to voice challenges and successes which will be discussed at a national level. “I’m very humbled, it’s a huge honour”, she said.
“For me, it’s really important that the College of Midwives represents and meets the needs of its members and values diversity.”
Debbie, who trained to be a midwife almost 25 years ago, still enjoys occasional clinical work as it allows her to hear from midwives about their first hand-experience working in the field, while addressing any questions or concerns and sharing knowledge.
“I really enjoy spending time working alongside my midwifery colleagues. It keeps me well connected and grounded”, she said. “That’s where I learn and hear about what’s working well, what’s not working so well, and what can be improved to make their working life easier and better.”
This face-to-face approach will allow the new Tangata Tiriti Co-President to hear from midwives in all settings, including community, hospital, birthing units, specialist, leadership, research and educational roles.
Not only will Debbie elevate the voices of those working in the midwifery healthcare sector across Aotearoa, she also aims to work collaboratively with the Board to consider standards of practice and professional practice guidance to ensure they are fit for purpose.
“It’s an exciting time for midwifery, and a great space to learn”, she said. “I’m looking forward to engaging with other midwifery colleges around the world to learn from them, explore midwifery issues together, and share all of the great work that’s happening across New Zealand.”
Midwives play a crucial role in New Zealand’s health care system. Despite being a hugely rewarding career, the midwifery sector in New Zealand, and across the world, is experiencing challenges with recruitment which Debbie also hopes to address. “Te Whatu Ora Midwifery Leaders, Workforce teams and stakeholders have been working on recruitment and retention strategies for midwives and also support roles such as Maternity Care Assistant roles, which allow midwife students to work in a maternity role while they’re not doing their clinical placements”, and Kai Amo Pokai or Kaiawhina roles which are proving to be invaluable for supporting new parents and their whānau too.
For those interested in exploring a career in midwifery, please visit the web page for more informaiton: nmdhb.govt.nz/about-us/careers-and-education/midwifery-education-for-students-and-workforce/