It’s been about 29 years since Louise Thompson first began working as a midwife at Werribee Mercy Hospital.
Over the course of her career as a Midwifery Nurse Unit Manager, Ms Thompson says she has witnessed the birth of more 55,000 babies.
“Serving the Wyndham community is a part of my DNA, it has been my home for my whole life,” she said.
Ms Thompson, who was born in Wyndham, says she has seen firsthand how the municipality has evolved from a small country town to what is now one of Victoria’s fastest growing community area.
“Back when we first opened our birth suites in June ’94 we only had around 60 births a month, now it is more than 300,” she said.
“The growth of Werribee Mercy has been massive, to the point where we keep outgrowing our infrastructure.”
Ms Thompson’s career recently came full-circle when midwife Ann-Maree Arredondo, who Miss Thomspon helped birth 24 years ago, began working at Werribee Mercy.
“Honestly, it makes me feel a bit old hearing that,” Ms Thompson said.
Ms Arredondo says the reality of working alongside Ms Thompson at the hospital she was born at has taken some time to sink in.
“It is still surreal… having Louise as a manager has always meant a friendly hello and heap sof support,” Ms Arredondo said.
Ms Thompson says her time at the hospital has been made special by the people around her.
“Being able to work with amazing people who all perform so well as a team is what has been getting me out of bed in the morning for 29 years,” she said.
Despite the various ups and downs over the course of her career, Ms Thompson has an optimistic message for aspiring midwives.
“Midwifery is an amazing career and there are so many different roles you can take on – do not be scared to put your hand up and take every opportunity that comes to you,” she said.
“I have been very fortunate for all the remarkable colleagues and amazing mentors in my career.”
