The 12-month employed clinical program which started in 2006 is a joint Northern Territory Government and Charles Darwin University initiative aimed at encouraging NT nurses to study midwifery.
RDH Acting Director of Nursing Angela Brannelly said this graduation represents an important addition to our midwifery workforce while giving midwifery students invaluable experience in a hospital environment.
"The students are studying the Graduate Diploma in Midwifery at Charles Darwin University years but are employed at hospitals around the Northern Territory.
"Here at Royal Darwin Hospital there are nine graduates each year - four in February and five in July.
"The students train four days a week in the maternity unit and undertake work in remote communities. The program also includes a substantial paid work placement during the year," said Ms Brannelly.
Four of the students will be staying on as midwives at Royal Darwin Hospital and one will work for a short time with the Department of Health and Families before returning to RDH.
Media Contact: Lorraine Hook, 0401 116 203
Release date: 3 July 2008
