Daughter of late midwife Rachel Wake petitions to keep maternity ward open

Romany, the daughter of late midwife Rachel Wake is the latest to petition the government to protect the state’s maternity services. Here’s what she’s doing in honour of her mum.

Hobart Private Hospital sign

Fighting to keep the Hobart Private Hospital’s (HPH) maternity ward open is something Romany Wake does in the memory of her mother, much like her family violence advocacy.

The 23-year-old’s mother Rachel was murdered in her driveway on Christmas Day in 2021 by her ex-husband Darren Wake, all witnessed by Romany.

Romany has become an outspoken advocate against family violence and has taken to sharing her and her mother’s story of abuse online and in the media.

Thursday’s announcement of the closure of HPH’s maternity ward pushed Romany to speak up on this issue as well, with her mother working at HPH as a midwife for 20 years.

Romany Wake in St David’s Park with a picture of her mum Rachel Wake who was a midwife at Hobart Private Hospital. Picture: Linda Higginson

“This is a woman’s issue as much as family violence is,” she said.

“When women and children won’t be able to get the care they deserve and need to receive, it’s vital somebody speaks up.”

Romany began an online petition on Sunday asking for the Tasmanian Government to step in to keep the HPH maternity ward open and support greater, improved maternity services for Tasmania.

Out of a 2500 signature goal, it has already reached 1900.

“Our health system won’t cope with this closure,” she said.

“There’s going to be 860 extra births in the other two hospitals in the South and with both of the healthcare systems already stretched for beds and staff – maternity won’t get the care it requires.

HOLD Alleged Tasmanian murder victim Rachel Wake. Picture: Facebook

“I’m worried for the midwives and nurses who won’t have jobs and the families who will have one less ward as an option to deliver their child.”

Romany said most people remember her Mum’s passion for midwifery.

“She knew pretty much everyone there,” Romany said.

“A lot of people still message me today to say they used to work with Mum or message me just from seeing the plaque at the hospital.

“I used to go to school at Collegiate and I would sometimes ‘miss the bus’ just so I would have to go to the hospital and sit and do my homework and watch Mum work or see the new babies on the ward.

“It was something that brought us both a lot of joy.”

Following her mother’s passing, a Rachel Wake Midwifery Scholarship was started in her honour, which is awarded annually to a Tasmanian midwife for financial support towards midwifery education, especially in the field of mental health.

Romany said her Mum would be devastated to off the closure of the ward.

Hobart Private Hospital sign

“She was so passionate about babies, their health and delivery with the families – it was a job she loved.

“She would fight to keep it open if she were still here.”

Wednesday’s announcement by federal Health Minister Mark Butler of an additional $6m in funding to support the expected increase in demand for maternity services across the public and private system was welcomed by Romany, but said more could be done.

“The funding is good, however many reports are saying the closure of the HPH maternity ward is from difficulties in attracting and retaining staff,” she said.

“If that is the case, could there be funding to be used to support UTAS midwifery training too? Or to entice people to stay and practice midwifery in Tasmania?”