A beloved tropical bird is the symbol of a new clinic designed to help women from Cape York and Torres Strait birthing at Cairns Hospital.
The Sunbird Clinic is a dedicated service providing continuity of care for the up to 30 women per month who travel from Cape and Torres regions to give birth in Cairns.
Cairns Hospital Clinical Midwife Consultant Laura Ammitzboll said the new clinic, established in April, used an all-risk model, so any woman from these regions could access midwifery care.
‘Women from communities such as Cooktown, Weipa, and the Torres Strait islands often need to relocate to Cairns around 36 weeks pregnancy, or sometimes earlier or later depending on their individual needs,’ Ms Ammitzboll said.
‘They remain here in Cairns until after the birth, which can mean they spend four weeks or more away from their family and support networks.
‘Our clinic was established to provide consistency of care, help women feel known and safe, reduce isolation, and create a supportive environment that feels as close to home as possible while they are in Cairns.’
The clinic will work closely with midwife navigators from the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service. Two dedicated midwives from Cairns Hospital will provide the local care.
‘Women see the same midwives in clinics, the same day each week,’ Ms Ammitzboll said.
‘These clinicians focus on culturally safe antenatal care, education and addressing any questions or concerns patients may have.
‘The goal is to give women a sense of belonging, to feel that they can speak openly, advocate for themselves, and understand their care plan.’
The clinic is named after the sunbird, a small tropical bird well known for building unique shaped nests hanging in people’s yards, close to homes. The small bird symbolises joy and prosperity.
‘Our clinic hopes the babies born to these families bring joy,’ Ms Ammitzboll said.