One Bunbury woman’s mission to provide antenatal care in West Papua is set to become easier after a generous donation from a South West medical clinic.
Midwife Fiona Webb works in remote areas of West Papua caring for and educating pregnant women and girls in West Papua.
In a bid to make her work easier and more effective Ms Webb approached South West Obstetrics and Gynaecology to help update her equipment.
South West Obstetrics and Gynaecology doctor Ben Cunningham said he had been in contact with Ms Webb for many years helping with difficult cases.
“Sometime last year she mentioned her equipment was getting close to its use by date and asked if I had any ideas of good products that I could recommend,” he said.
With the help of Stephen Cipriani from Philips Australia, the clinic was able to purchase a portable ultra sound device.
“We had no expectation of being able to get something as amazing as this, which is just perfect for the developing world,” Mr Cunningham said.
“Fiona will have the opportunity to literally help hundred and hundreds of families to achieve better pregnancy outcomes in the coming months, we are very proud, as a practice, even to be a small part of that.”
Ms Webb said the device would help women and babies from dying from preventable and undiagnosed issues.
“This ultrasound machine which has been so graciously donated by South West Obstetrics and Gynaecology will allow these women the opportunity to have an ultrasound during their pregnancy,” she said.
“Being able to give Papuan women more information regarding their pregnancy in turn allows them to make informed decisions, giving them a greater sense of empowerment.”
Obstetric Senior Registrar Stephanie Green said it was an amazing device, which could be used at the bedside without having to go to a clinic or hospital.
“It’s life saving technology because this can guide Fiona’s decision as to who can potentially stay where they are or who needs to be transferred elsewhere,” she said.
