RANZCOG is delighted to announce the launch of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Education and Training (OGET) project in Tasmania.

In August 2025, OGET proudly established its newest hub in Tasmania, operating through two sub‑hubs: Launceston (North), led by Dr Frank Clark FRANZCOG, and Burnie (Northwest), led by Professor Boon Lim FRANZCOG. Together, they provide strong clinical leadership and guidance to ensure the hub delivers meaningful training and support across the state.

This initiative has been warmly welcomed by the rural multi-disciplinary health community, who have expressed strong support for the training opportunities it provides in obstetric care across regional townships.

Education will be delivered to communities in King Island, Flinders Island, St Helens, St Mary’s, Scottsdale, Campbelltown, Queenstown, Smithton, LaTrobe (Mersey), and Burnie, ensuring that rural clinicians have access to practical, hands‑on education tailored to their unique needs.

St Helens Hospital hosts first OGET workshop

The first workshop was held in November at St Helens Hospital, led by Dr Jessica Phillips and Midwife Chelsea Rose. The sessions focused on two critical topics:

• Preterm labour in a rural location
• Postpartum haemorrhage

The event drew an outstanding turnout, and encouraged open communication between GPs, paramedics, locums, and nursing staff, fostering stronger pathways for effective response during medical emergencies.

Participants also engaged in hands‑on practice using an obstetric model, including:

• Baby delivery simulation
• Placenta delivery
• Fundal massage techniques

This practical component was praised for its relevance to rural practice, where resources can be limited and collaboration is essential.
Special thanks go out to Janine Stubbs, the Nurse Unit Manager of St Helens Hospital, and Jessica Quin, Practice Manager at Ochre Health, for their invaluable contributions to the success of these workshops.

Feedback from attendees

Overall feedback from participants was extremely positive, highlighting the value of the project:

I really enjoyed the session…The preterm session was very applicable to us and very informative. Having an open floor discussion was great…The practical application of treatment was very reassuring as we work with limited resources.

– Paramedic, St Helens

The workshop was excellent. The delivery was engaging, the topics relevant to our environment, and it was a great opportunity for collaboration amongst nurses, doctors, and paramedics.

– Registered Nurse, St Helens Hospital

I have had some terrific feedback about your team and the delivery of the content. All feedback was positive and appropriate to all the health care team. Thank you so much to you and your team.

– Nurse Unit Manager, St Helens Hospital

Looking ahead

The debut of the Tasmania OGET hub represents an important step in strengthening rural healthcare education. RANZCOG looks forward to supporting future workshops that continue to empower rural clinicians and enhance obstetric emergency care across Tasmania.

Building on this momentum, workshops have continued across the state, with sessions held in St. Helens on 3 December, and in King Island and Scottsdale on 10 December. Together, these initiatives reflect a growing commitment to empower rural clinicians and enhance obstetric emergency care throughout Tasmania.