The courage of two local midwives who bravely put mothers and babies’ lives before their own as a severe storm lashed Lismore Base Hospital almost six years ago, has been recognised in today’s Australian Bravery Decorations.
When scaffolding collapsed onto a temporary maternity building in late November 2015, Leanne Chamberlain and Mary-Ann Hyde, leapt into action to shield five mothers and newborns from debris as the ceiling fell in.
Despite being injured, the two NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members responded to the calls of distressed mothers, moved everyone to safety inside the ward and continued to care for them until emergency services arrived.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Brett Holmes, said today’s ‘Commendation for Brave Conduct’ awarded to Leanne and Mary-Ann was apt recognition for the lengths both midwives went to.
“Both of these midwives went well above and beyond what would normally have been expected of any nurse or midwife in such difficult circumstances,” said Mr Holmes.
“The fact that Leanne immediately threw herself across one mother and baby to shield them from the falling debris is remarkable. Leanne ignored her own injuries and put the safety of her patients first.
“Mary-Ann’s efforts during the crisis were incredible. Surrounded by debris and water, she managed to wade through it and slide across a fallen wall to reach the mothers and babies and support Leanne.”
NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Judith Kiejda, said the agility of the two women in such trying circumstances was extraordinary.
“It takes enormous courage, in a situation of heightened danger, to not hesitate when a ceiling is collapsing around you and you’re battling all the elements of a severe storm cell,” said Ms Kiejda.
“No one heads into a shift thinking they’ll be performing the heroics these two midwives delivered so courageously. It was beyond belief and they conducted themselves selflessly.”
The NSWNMA and its Lismore Base Hospital Branch nominated both members for the bravery awards with input from local authorities.
Download this release: Heroic efforts of Lismore midwives’ honoured
