Released 06/04/2024
Applications are now open for a new scholarship scheme to help build and develop the ACT’s maternity workforce.
The scholarships are a key action in the Maternity in Focus: First Action Plan 2022-2025 to support the development of skills in bereavement, lactation, culturally appropriate care and a range of other areas vital to supporting high quality maternity services for the Canberra community.
The 2024 Maternity in Focus Workforce Scholarship Scheme provides a $50,000 funding pool for midwives, nurses, doctors and other health professionals to apply for financial assistance with study or professional development up to $4,500 per person.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the new scheme would help develop the maternity workforce and improve maternity health outcomes.
“The ACT Government is committed to growing and developing our health workforce to provide even better health outcomes for Canberrans,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“The Maternity in Focus Workforce Scholarship Scheme is one of the many ways we are investing in the dedicated health workforce that provides high-quality care every day for the people of Canberra and the region.
“This scheme will complement our wide range of ACT Government health workforce initiatives such as the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Study Incentive Program and Mandated minimum nurse/midwife-to-patient ratios.”
The Maternity in Focus Workforce Scholarship Scheme is now open to eligible applicants, including:
* Midwives, nurses and doctors working in Canberra’s public maternity system workforce.
* General practitioners providing shared care to women and pregnant people in the ACT.
* Maternity staff members at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services and staff members from Tresillian Queen Elizabeth II Family Centre.
The scholarship scheme is for professional development in the priority areas outlined in the Maternity in Focus: First Action Plan 2022-2025, including:
* Perinatal loss, perinatal mental health, bereavement care and lactation specific education, including sitting the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant certification examination.
* Providing culturally appropriate care, trauma-informed care or postgraduate courses to become an endorsed midwife.
* Areas aligned with the First Action Plan or identified as an area of workforce shortage.
The Maternity in Focus Workforce Scholarship Scheme is funded for three years and will run annually until July 2026.
For more information or to apply visit Maternity in Focus | Health (act.gov.au)
Applications for the 2024 round of the scholarship scheme close 5pm on Wednesday 15 May 2024.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases