A program that provides culturally safe care to expectant First Nations mothers and their families has won the top gong at this year’s Women’s and Children’s Health Network Excellence Awards.

Ngangkita Ngartu sees a team of Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Care Practitioners working in partnership with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s midwifery workforce to provide care for Aboriginal women both at home and in hospital.

The program was awarded the CEO’s Excellence Award from a field of 91 nominations and 30 finalists.

For Aboriginal Midwife Carly White, Ngangkita Ngartu is the perfect place to work.

“I love working here because, being an Aboriginal woman myself, I want to be able to work with mob and community,” Ms White said.

“It’s an amazing team to be a part of.

“Everyone is so passionate, we work together and look after each other and we’re driving each other to keep building on our skills and our knowledge.”

Ngangkita Ngartu Midwifery Educator Carmel Mercer said the program, which has been running at the WCH for around 14 years, has had an overwhelmingly positive impact.

“The most outstanding impact has been increased engagement with our services,” Ms Mercer said.

“The families are feeling much more comfortable accessing services here at the Women’s and Children’s, and that increase in comfort and has really come with the use of our Aboriginal Health Practitioners.

“Their role has been pivotal in making sure that happens.”

Other winners on the night were:

• The CREATE Award: PED Neurodiversity and Inclusive Care Project (Paediatric Medicine)
• The Young Professional of the Year Award: Dr Laura Slade (Women’s and Babies Division)
• The Excellence in Innovation in Aboriginal Health Award: Natalie Bauer (People and Culture)
• The Research and Innovation Award: Genomic Autopsy Study (Paediatric and Reproductive Genetics Unit)
• The Out of Hospital Strategies and Care Award: Virtual Women’s Assessment Service (Women’s and Babies Division)
• The Excellence in Community Services Award: APY Lands Teams (CAMHS and CaFHS)
• The Improving Safety and Quality Award: SA Health Preterm Birth Prevention Project (Corporate Executive Division/ Women’s and Babies Division)
• The Excellence in Consumer Partnerships Award: WCHN Feedback Circle (Corporate Services)
• The Excellence in Non-Clinical Services Award: Outpatient Reform Team (Finance)
• The Enhancing Hospital Care Award: Rehabilitation Orthopaedic Service (Sub-Acute and Allied Health)

Women’s and Children’s Health Network Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Graham said she was “incredibly proud of our entire team and the diversity, skills and strong values they bring to our organisation”.

“This night highlights just how tirelessly our staff work to provide the best innovative care to all South Australian women, babies, children and young people who may need it,” Ms Graham said.

“It is my pleasure to get to witness the excellence and thoughtfulness they bring to their areas of practice each and every day, and I am delighted to celebrate all the nominees and winners.”