General News
9 July, 2025
Maternity services boost for North West mums
NWHHS has appointed a senior maternal health social worker and a women’s health physiotherapist.
The North West Hospital and Health Service has welcomed two new team members in a major step forward for maternal care in rural and remote Queensland.
For the first time, NWHHS has appointed a dedicated senior maternal health social worker and a continence and women’s health physiotherapist to support pregnant women and new mothers across the region.
Based at Mount Isa Hospital, Anne Li and Lyndel Hicks will deliver care not only in Mount Isa, but also across Normanton, Mornington Island and Doomadgee.
“This is a really important investment in women’s health,” said Karen Slater, executive director of nursing, midwifery and clinical governance at NWHHS.
“Women in our region deserve the same level of care and support during and after pregnancy as anywhere else in Queensland. These new roles will make that possible.”
Until now, maternity patients in the North West region have not had consistent access to dedicated social work or physiotherapy services.
The addition of Ms Li and Ms Hicks will help bridge critical gaps in care, especially in areas such as:
Perinatal mental health support;
Postnatal physical recovery;
Birth trauma and grief counselling;
Pelvic floor and pain management; and
Transition to parenting and psychosocial support.
One patient, Sarah (name changed for privacy), is currently pregnant and facing ongoing housing instability. She was referred to the service as an outpatient, struggling with the stress of her situation and unsure where to turn.
“Being able to speak with Anne changed everything,” she said.
“I felt seen. She helped me navigate the support system and even provided letters to help with my housing situation. It gave me the confidence to keep going.”