Christine Guymer. Photo supplied
Christine Guymer began her nursing career in 1975, and her midwifery career in 1981. She did her hospital-based nursing training at what was then known as Sacred Heart Hospital – now John Fawkner – and later did her midwifery training through the Royal Women’s Hospital.
‘I’ve had an amazing career,’ she says, ‘just amazing. I’ve been very happy.’
Reflecting on her achievements, Christine says that ‘starting her own business with her goal to make a difference to new mothers at home’ is the highlight of her career. ‘When I go to visit I can help them navigate the whole system, which is very difficult with a new baby. It’s just a privilege knowing that we can make a difference so they can enjoy the journey.’
Working full time as a midwife since 1994, Christine has been ‘lucky enough’ to have several really good jobs – from domiciliary in the home to bed management (now called patient flow) at The Women’s.
When demand began to outstrip capacity in the latter role, Christine saw an opportunity. ‘I live in Sunbury, and that was one of the areas that was being cut off the Women’s service area list, and there was nothing else here. So I rang the ANMF and asked about setting up a new business.
‘I remember getting my first patient in August 2005. I was very excited for that first referral, and then it just grew from there. For five years at the start, I did two roles: I did the patient flow role as well as managing my fledgling practice.’
Christine ended up employing five other midwives and these days the practice sees about many patients daily, across an area that covers the northwest suburbs and out to the Macedon Ranges. ‘So that’s pretty incredible.’
As a member of the Victorian Midwifery Home Care Group, Christine ‘was able to see what all the hospitals were doing and all the education they were providing’ and able to make sure that she and her midwives were up to date.
Running the practice accommodated both her professional and personal needs, and she remains grateful that when the opportunity came, she was lucky enough to be able to take it. ‘It’s the best thing I ever did,’ she says.
With Christine’s retirement, a colleague will take over and the practice will continue serving the north-west suburbs and Macedon Ranges. ‘I’ll mentor in the background for a bit,’ Christine concludes. ‘So I’ll retire gently.’
In the meantime, she’s got more time with her granddaughter to look forward to, as well as an overseas holiday with two of her friends who she trained with.
