Thursday Island midwives Catherine Bennett, Sarah Molten and Karyn Wilson with Esther’s new daughter and baby Ziyanna. Photo: Supplied.
Thursday Island has welcomed a bub a day during an unprecedented week that showcased the strength of the hospital’s maternity team earlier this month.
Women from across the region safely birthed three boys and four girls between 29 October and 4 November, bringing the Thursday Island Hospital’s birth count to 62 for 2025.
Mum Esther Geas, whose baby girl arrived at the beginning of the month, said it was exciting to be a part of the historic moment at the hospital.
After relocating to Moa Island from Cairns two years ago, baby number six was the second to be born on Thursday Island.
“I was really happy, because I had another baby here last year, and I was the only one in the ward,” she said.
“The staff have been excellent, very supportive, friendly and kind.”
Joining her in the ward was first-time mum Shorna Cowley from Mer Island, who had daughter Ziyanna on 31 October.
Despite a hectic schedule for the maternity team, Ms Cowley said she had been well supported by staff on Thursday Island throughout her pregnancy.
“They have been really caring, and they’ve helped me a lot,” she said.
“It’s very overwhelming, but also exciting.”
Thursday Island Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery Jane Davies said she was proud of the midwifery, medical and nursing teams who went above and beyond to support women during this exceptionally busy period.
“It’s during times like these that the true strength of our staff shines through, and I want to thank each and every one of them for their dedication and resilience,” she said.
“Their professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to women-centred care have been nothing short of inspiring.
“From our midwives, nurses, doctors, allied health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, the entire team has worked so hard together during what has truly been an unprecedented time in our maternity unit.”
