The Rachel Wake Midwifery Scholarship

Rachel was tragically killed on Christmas Day, 2021. Her death has left HPH, TasOGS, and the Hobart community heartbroken, but none more so than her two beautiful children who she adored.

Rachel’s gentleness, kindness, and passion for women’s health care are a deep loss to the women & their families of Hobart, all who were privileged to work with her, and most sadly to her family. Our thoughts are with Rachel’s children always.

In honour of Rachel, and her passion for midwifery, TasWomen is establishing the Rachel Wake Midwifery Scholarship in December 2023.

This scholarship will be awarded annually to a Tasmanian midwife, and provide financial support towards midwifery education, especially in the field of mental health.

Contributions to the Rachel Wake Midwifery Scholarship can be made via TasWomen on 6214 3333.

Background

Rachel always wanted to be a midwife from a very young age, and started Nursing Training straight after school. Rachel worked on the paediatric ward of RHH for several years before commencing Midwifery training in 1995.

After spending time in the Australian Army Reserves as a Nursing Officer, allowing an interesting balance of hospital work and ADF training, Rachel worked two years as a remote area nurse/midwife in several communities in Central Australia – a valuable experience, both personally and professionally.

On her return to Hobart, Rachel began working at the then very new HPH, and found her home with the amazing team at HPH. Rachel also worked in private obstetrics with Dr Lisa Turner, Dr Kirsten Connan and Dr Portia Spaulding, loving the continuity of care this offered, from the first antenatal visits through to birth and postnatal care.

Rachel is survived by her two adult children.

The administration of the Rachel Wake Midwifery Scholarship will be overseen by Dr Kirsten Connan, Dr Hannah Chapman, Sam Thompson, and Romany Wake. Applications for this scholarship will be opened to midwives practicing in Tasmania, and submissions will open in May each year.

Rachel Wake RN RM

Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife.