After serving eight years as Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Federal Assistant Secretary, Lori-Anne Sharp has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia (NMHPA).
Lori-Anne was Federal Assistant Secretary at the ANMF from 2017 to 2025 and served on the Victorian Branch Council from 2004 to 2017. With over twenty years in nursing and midwifery, she has extensive experience in community health, advocacy, international aid, and board directorships.
During her time with the ANMF, Lori-Anne was a key voice in securing the initial funding for NMHPA – a free, confidential, peer-to-peer counselling and health support service for nurses, midwives, and students of the professions across Australia. Her career reflects a commitment to advocacy, collaboration, meaningful change, and practical support for those working in challenging health and community settings.
Lori-Anne reflects on why NMHPA matters, how it’s different, and what trends are emerging for our industries health and wellbeing.
Why a dedicated support service matters
“Representing over 50% of healthcare employees, nurses and midwives are critical in the delivery of quality healthcare, supporting patients from birth through to end of life. Their roles require expertise, compassion and commitment to work in environments that are very often emotionally and physically demanding,” says Lori-Anne.
“Nurse and midwives are not immune to mental health challenges that are experienced in the general population. We also have our own life stressors to navigate whilst juggling the pressures that come from caring for others. When these pressures overlap with the trauma and grief that may be experienced in our work, it can take a toll on our general health and wellbeing. At times this can be significant, and help is needed to restore balance and enjoyment in work and life again. That’s why it’s essential to have avenues for support that are easy to access.
“Having access to someone who genuinely understands the unique pressures of nursing and midwifery can be invaluable. Speaking with a peer, someone who has walked in similar shoes, offers a level of empathy and insight that is hard to find elsewhere. This peer-led approach ensures that support is grounded in compassion and real experience from within the profession.”
How peer-to-peer support is different
“At NMHPA every staff member has firsthand experience working as a nurse or midwife. This means the support offered is compassionate, practical, relevant, and grounded in an understanding of the real challenges of the professions. From the intensity of patient care to the unique demands of shift work” says Ms Sharp.
“Unlike Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or other general health support services, NMHPA is run by people who truly understand the nuances and pressures of the profession. This shared experience makes the support feel genuine and relatable.
“Peer-to-peer services also play an important role in reducing stigma. They reduce isolation and normalise conversations about mental health and wellbeing. Too often, fear of judgement or potential career implications prevent nurses, midwives and students seeking help. By engaging in a peer support model, barriers are broken down and timely intervention is more likely. NMHPA’s mission is for this type of support to prevent health or work-related challenges leading to burnout, absenteeism, or clinical risk.”
What to expect when you reach out to NMHPA
“When you get in touch, you’ll speak directly with one of our peer support clinicians, an experienced nurse or midwife.
“Your first conversation is a place to talk about what’s going on for you. The clinician will explain how the service works so you can decide if you’d like ongoing support, or if a one-off conversation is what you need. If you continue, you’ll work together to set goals and make a plan that suits your needs.
“Appointments can be held face-to-face, over the phone, or via telehealth, with the option for follow-ups or check-ins. Where needed, NMHPA can also connect you and refer you to specialist health services.
“Fully funded by the Commonwealth Government, our program is free, confidential, and based on self-referral. By supporting the health and wellbeing of nurses and midwives, we help build safer patient care, stronger teams, and healthier workplaces.”
Trends from the first year
“Over the past year, we’ve supported nurses, midwives, and students who are accessing NMHPA with both personal and professional challenges. Many are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and overwhelming stress that is taking a toll on their health and wellbeing.
“We’re hearing from people whose resilience is being stretched, and whose mental health is challenged by the pressures of their work as well as life outside of work. These themes reflect the experience of the nursing and midwifery professions today, and the increasing pressures of everyday life.”
How to connect with NMHPA
The easiest way to connect is by calling 1800 001 060. You can also email us at info@nursemidwifehpa.org.au or use the contact form on our website.
The NMHPA website has a range of helpful resources, including downloadable digital and printable materials to raise awareness. We can also provide promotional packs on request, and we’ve developed a vCard (QR code below) that can be scanned to save our details straight to your phone. Whether it’s for you or a colleague, now or later, it’s good to know that support is just a phone call away.
If you’d like to promote NMHPA in your workplace, reach out to our Partnerships and Communications Lead, Tayla Vella: tvella@nursemidwifehpa.org.au
Victorian nurses, midwives, and students can access the Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria (NMHPV) by calling (03) 9415 7551 or visiting www.nmhp.org.au for more information.
