Big milestone for midwife

Rockingham General Hospital midwife Elizabeth Grosse has become the hospital’s oldest practising midwife after she recently turned 79.

Ms Grosse began nursing training in 1956 at Princess Margaret Hospital and has worked at Royal Perth Hospital, Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Osborne Park Hospital, St Anne’s Maternity (now St John of God Mt Lawley), Marble Bar District Hospital and Bunbury Hospital.

She said she still felt as passionate and enthusiastic about her work as she did on her first day.

“My role has changed over the years but I still love being a support for mothers of newborns,” she said.

“I enjoy what I do and have the privilege of working alongside a wonderful and supportive team.”

Ms Grosse is part of the hospital’s Visiting Midwifery Service that provides women with follow-up support in their homes after discharge from hospital. The service involves physical checks on mothers and babies and provides advice on feeding, settling and any other concerns women may have.

RGH Maternity Unit Manager Alicia Pearce praised Ms Grosse for her dedication to midwifery and being an exceptional role model for other midwives. “Libby has shown exemplary respect, sensitivity and professionalism throughout her career while ensuring women remain the centre of midwifery care,” Mrs Pearce said. “We’re so glad to be able to celebrate this milestone with her.”