Royal Perth Bentley Group Launches Exclusive Midwifery Student Program
The Royal Perth Bentley Group Midwifery Birth Centre has introduced a groundbreaking invitation-only student program, marking a significant advancement in midwifery education. This innovative initiative pairs student midwives with experienced professionals in an immersive clinical setting designed to accelerate skill development and enhance patient care continuity.
Curtin University Student Makes History as First Participant
Nineteen-year-old Curtin University midwifery student Dusty Morgan has become the inaugural participant in this pioneering program. Beginning her ten-week placement in January, Morgan has been working directly alongside senior midwives, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in autonomous midwifery care. Her placement represents a new model of clinical education that extends beyond traditional hospital settings.
"I pretty much have to warn every woman that if I'm crying after the baby's out, I'm OK, nothing's wrong," Morgan shared emotionally. "I'm just overwhelmed with emotion and it's so beautiful to watch... like a family being completed or added to."
Program Design and Educational Philosophy
The program's unique structure focuses on building continuity of care from birth through to home visits, embedding student midwives directly into comprehensive patient care pathways. This approach allows trainees to experience the full spectrum of midwifery practice, from clinical delivery to postpartum support in home environments.
"I love the home visits because women are so comfortable at home, and I'm let into their little newborn world. It's so beautiful to be a part of," Morgan explained. "And the births are obviously all incredible."
Mentorship Model and Professional Development
Royal Perth Bentley Group's initiative establishes a formal mentorship partnership between student midwives and experienced clinical professionals. This structured relationship aims to promote knowledge transfer, build clinical confidence, and accelerate professional development through direct supervision and guided practice.
Clinical midwife Liz Hull, who has been mentoring Morgan throughout the placement, observed significant growth in her student's capabilities. "It's really exciting to be able to offer this type of mentorship in our setting," Hull stated. "Dusty has been taking over care, she's been leading care. It's been great watching her develop from being introduced to the service."
The mentorship relationship has proven mutually beneficial, with Hull noting: "She teaches me as much as I teach her. It's quite special."
Patient Experience and Community Response
Local families have enthusiastically embraced the student-led approach to maternity care. Santana Harris, who recently welcomed her fourth child with Morgan's assistance, praised the program's impact on both students and patients.
"From the moment Liz asked me if I would like a student midwife to come in, I said 'of course'," Harris recalled. "She actually delivered our baby... just having her around as well, it was such a huge help. She's so natural at it."
Harris emphasized the educational value for emerging healthcare professionals: "I think it's an amazing experience for a student midwife to get some hands-on learning."
Program Expansion and Future Directions
Following the successful completion of Morgan's inaugural placement, the Midwifery Birth Centre plans to expand the program to include additional students from multiple educational institutions. A Notre Dame University student is scheduled to begin placement soon, with Edith Cowan University expected to participate later this year.
This expansion reflects growing recognition of the program's effectiveness in preparing the next generation of midwives for complex clinical environments while maintaining high standards of patient care. The initiative represents a collaborative model between healthcare providers and educational institutions that could potentially influence midwifery training approaches across Australia.
