Northern Health’s Simone Jervies has been awarded the BankVic Nursing Scholarship to continue her push for better leadership in maternity care.
Ms Jervies, the Acting Unit Manager for Birthing Suite and Maternity Assessment Care, will use a $5,000 scholarship to attend the Leadership Series for Midwives.
“With this support, I will build on the work I have already led by designing a structured leadership framework within our unit– one that cultivates leadership at every level,” Ms Jervies said.
“I have also led postpartum haemorrhage working groups to enhance emergency care, and restructured workflows to support burnout prevention in team cohesion.”
She’s also working to establish a mentorship program for early-career midwives and believes strong leadership is critical for ensuring safer, more empowered maternity teams.
“This program will help cultivate a culture of care where midwives feel safe to grow, speak up and lead,” Ms Jervies said.
Her work already includes introducing third trimester ultrasound screening and leading changes to boost clinical autonomy and emergency care.
“In the past two years, I have led key changes grounded in the values of care and collaboration,” Ms Jervies explained.
The focus is to improve outcomes by embedding person-centred leadership with plans to consult interstate leaders, explore best- practice strategies, and share learnings with staff through tailored workshops and informal sessions.
She hopes the scholarship experience will expand her influence across the service.
“I would place the power of care–relational, respectful, and person-centred- at the heart of every decision,” Ms Jervies said.
The scholarship, in its second year, was awarded by a panel of Northern Health executives and Bankvic representatives.
