A privileged career

Midwife Shirley Lechmere has worked at St John of God Bendigo Hospital for 40 years and in December this year Shirley will be retiring from her long career in midwifery and welcoming new life into the world. We sat down with Shirley to reflect on what she calls a 'privileged career.'

27 Nov 2018

When did your career as a Midwife start?

I commenced Midwifery training at the Bendigo Base hospital 1974 and then joined the team at Mt Alvernia in 1976 accepting a position as a Registered Nurse on medical ward before moving over to the Maternity ward in 1978, along the way having 3 children of my own.

In 1998 I was appointed the Maternity Unit Manager, after some years as an Associate Unit manager.

Fondest memories of working on the Maternity ward?

Working with the FMDM sisters.
Getting to know the mums and the partners as they allow us the privilege to be involved in the most important time in their lives
The recognition and thanks you receive from our patients
The friendship and support received from colleagues
Nursing newborn babies.

What significant changes have you seen over your career?

The biggest change I have seen is the partners being present for the birth. It took some encouragement for some partners but now it is expected.

The next biggest change was the mother being able to have her baby by her side at all times, not taken back to the nursery after feeds and then the family having to show a card through the nursery window to see their baby at visiting times only

Career highlight

In 2013 to 2014 I was given 12 months leave to travel to the remote Kimberley Region to assist and work with Indigenous women to learn about their midwifery culture which was a fantastic learning opportunity.

What will you miss about your work when you retire?

I will miss all the friendships of staff from all over the hospital and the recognition from women who never forget the midwife who assisted and guided her through her childbirth.

What does retirement look like?

Plans for my retirement include travel, caravanning, time with our grandchildren and more time to spend with my elderly mum.

Farewell morning tea

Shirley is having a public morning tea farewell on Tuesday November 27 at 10.30am in the St John of God Bendigo Hospital Atrium.

If you would like to attend to say thank you and good luck to Shirley please register below