The Victorian Maternal and Child Health Nurse special interest group (VAMCHN) has a long and distinguished history of promoting the professional, industrial and educational interests of Victorian MCH Nurses.
VAMCHN is a professional body that is committed to the advancement of maternal and child health within the state of Victoria. Beginning its life in 1942 as the Infant Welfare Section of the Royal Victorian College of Nursing the group works in close collaboration with ANMF (Vic Branch) to advocate on behalf of Victorian MCH nurses at local, state and federal government levels. VAMCHN provides peer support and networking for exchange of knowledge and experience and offers scholarships and awards to support ongoing professional development and to recognise excellence in MCH nursing.
Aims and objectives
Maternal and child health nursing promotes the optimum health of families with children 0-6 years. The group is active in research, peer support and the promotion of child and family health and well-being. The group has developed competency standards to assist and support maternal and child health nurses in the performance of their professional role.
- To promote the professional and educational interests of maternal and child health nurses
- To provide peer support and networking for exchange of knowledge and experience
- To raise the public profile of maternal and child health nurses in both metropolitan and rural areas
- To continue working with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch
- To liaise with the Department of Human Services (DHS) on issues related to the M&CH service
- To liaise with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), DHS, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and other relevant government departments on issues related to the delivery of maternal and child health services
Extraordinary meeting
VAMCHN held an extraordinary meeting on Thursday 15 August 2019 to discuss developments in relation to MCaFHNA. The meeting passed this resolution.
Further information
You can contact existing members of the VAMCHN executive via email at vamchn.group@gmail.com or Ms Belinda Clark at ANMF (Vic Branch) Professional Officer on 9275 9333 or bclark@anmfvic.asn.au.
Meetings
- General meetings are held four times a year plus an AGM.
- These meetings may include an educational presentation followed by a business meeting and a light supper.
- The minutes of all meetings will be sent via email to all financial members.
Membership
Membership is open to all maternal and child health nurses or students currently enrolled in a course leading to a post graduate qualification specific to maternal, child and family health nursing in Victoria.
The annual membership fee is $75. Membership is from 1 May to 30 April. No part year membership is available. To join or renew your membership go to the membership information page on the VAMCHN website.
Executive
- President: Anne Colahan
- Vice President: Kylie Somerville
-
Secretary: Lesley Kueter-Luks
- Treasurer: Janet White
- Membership and merchandise: Karen Macdonald
- Website administrator: Pauline Chandler
- General committee members: Sarah Hare, Megan Falzon, Elen Mcdonald, Leesa Hooker
- Conference committee: Pauline Chandler
- Editor and Newsletter: Vacant
- Rural representative: Leesa Hooker
- Student representative (La Trobe): Lucy Korevaar
- ANMF Professional Officer: Belinda Clarke
Resources
Documentation Standards for Maternal and Child Health Nurses
The new ‘Documentation Standards for Maternal and Child Health Nurses’ in Victoria are now available from VAMCHN. These standards lead the way for MCH nurses in Victoria by articulating the documentation requirements to meet their professional, legal and ethical responsibilities. They highlight the critical role documentation plays in facilitating communication and collaboration, continuity of care, reflective practice and research and support MCH nurses to fulfill their duty of care in a way which respects and promotes the professional judgment of the MCH nurse.
ANMF (Vic Branch) has proudly contributed to the development of the Standards as a member of the Maternal and Child Health Nursing Documentation Project Steering Group along with VAMCHN and the VMCHCG. Copies can be purchased from the VAMCHN website.
100 years of maternal and child health nursing 1917-2017
In a joint project with ANMF (Vic Branch), we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Maternal and Child Health Service with a digital exhibition viewable at anmfvic.asn.au/mch100.
