Get involved

Birth trauma refers to the physical and/or psychological distress experienced by a woman who has had a traumatic birth, or by those who witnessed the birth such as a partner or birth supporter.

The South Metropolitan Health Service has created a Birth Trauma Advisory Committee to give strategic advice on activities to reduce birth trauma and improve experiences of care for women, babies and families across Fiona Stanley Hospital, Rockingham General Hospital and Peel Health Campus.

We are looking for two consumer representatives with lived experience of birth trauma to join the Committee. We want to make sure consumer voices are heard and reflected in decisions about service planning, policy and quality improvement activities.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, individuals that are part of the LGBTQI+ community, and people with disability to consider expressing their interest in becoming a consumer representative. We understand the value of including voices that reflect the diversity of our community.

What is involved

  • Consumer representatives will be full members of the committee and requested to attend meetings on the second Thursday of each month at Fiona Stanley Hospital 10:00–11:30 am (face-to-face preferred; video conference available)
  • Information will be given to you before and during the meetings for you to comment on and share your perspectives and advice.
  • Consumer representatives will need to be comfortable talking about traumatic experiences.
  • Your perspectives will support the development of strategic priorities, policies and service improvements for SMHS maternity services.
  • A formal induction and ongoing support will be given to you to make sure that you can fully participate.
  • You will need to work together with healthcare workers, leaders and other consumers representatives and be respectful of the different perspectives and experiences shared.
  • You will be paid for your participation.

Preferred applicants

It is desirable, but not essential, that you have personal or family experience of maternity care at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Rockingham General Hospital or Peel Health Campus.