Ingham Maternity Ward Celebrates 9 Year Anniversary With 4 Babies Born in 24 Hours!

In a heartening reminder of the value of rural health care, the Ingham Health Service recently celebrated nine years since the reopening of its maternity service — and what better way to mark the occasion than with the birth of four babies in just 24 hours?

On the 7th and 8th of April, four mothers; Giorgia Firmi, Marites Carao, Hannah Bestmann, and Leah Dingwell, welcomed their little ones into the world, creating a unique bond not only between their babies, but among themselves as part of this milestone moment.

For first-time mum Giorgia Firmi, the experience was both challenging and affirming.

“I was in labour for probably 15 hours, and it was a really long night but she (my midwife Kelly) stayed for probably longer than she was supposed to,” Ms Firmi said, expressing her gratitude.

Fellow mum Marites Carao echoed the sentiment, praising the compassionate care she received throughout her pregnancy and delivery.

“As a first-time mum, it’s a very exciting journey and the midwives and doctors supported me throughout my entire pregnancy, through to the delivery and aftercare,” she said.

For Hannah Bestmann, who had previously delivered her two other children in a major hospital, the contrast highlighted the expertise and reassurance provided at Ingham.

“The first two were born at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and while the facilities at SCUH are more aesthetic and fresher, the expertise of my two midwives here in Ingham was noticeably significant,” she shared.

“I felt more and more confident in their care with each appointment, and they helped me trust my body to naturally labour without interventions which I appreciated and had hoped for.”

These powerful testimonies shine a light on a service that almost ceased to exist. Ingham’s birthing unit was closed for a decade before community advocacy led to its triumphant reopening on the 1st of July, 2016. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength — a testament to the commitment of its staff and the value of health care close to home.

Senior Medical Officer Dr Carmel Cockburn reflected on the journey so far.

“The ability to provide a safe and consistent rural birthing service despite workplace shortages across rural Australia has been a huge achievement,” she said.

“It has required constant dedication from our team and community. Our team includes midwives, rural generalists with obstetric and anaesthetic skills, as well as theatre nurses for those times caesarean section or operative complications arise.”

Clinical midwife Jodie Nema emphasised the importance of ensuring access to maternity services locally.

“We provide an essential service that encompasses antenatal, birth and postnatal care to pregnant women and their families in the Hinchinbrook area,” she explained.

“The midwifery group practice has capacity to provide services both at the hospital, and where appropriate, in-home care. We also work closely with maternity services at Townsville University Hospital when higher levels of care or support are required.”

At a time when many rural maternity services are under threat, Ingham's model shows what is possible when dedication, skill, and community will intersect. As the maternity team celebrates its ninth anniversary with four beautiful new arrivals, it reminds us that small towns can offer not only safe care—but exceptional care.

Expectant families in the region can self-refer to the service or be referred through their GP. For more information, call 07 4720 3050.

‍