North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Jo La Spina has recently returned from a meaningful volunteer trip to the Solomon Islands, where she collaborated with local healthcare professionals to enhance outcomes for sick and premature newborns.

As part of a specialist team from the Australian College of Neonatal Nurses (ACNN), Jo delivered vital training, mentorship, and hands-on support in neonatal care within low-resource hospital settings. Remarkably, this volunteer work is entirely self-funded, with Jo taking leave and covering travel expenses out of pocket driven by passion and commitment to global health equity.

“We aimed to share knowledge, provide support, and strengthen local healthcare systems so more babies can survive and thrive,” Jo said.

“This was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, especially having previously volunteered in Tonga. Each opportunity to support neonatal care in our neighbouring Pacific communities strengthens my passion and commitment.”

During the trip, Jo worked closely with local Doctors, nurses and midwives to implement essential practices such as newborn resuscitation, thermal care, infection prevention, and feeding support for vulnerable infants.

The ACNN’s Low Resource Countries Special Interest Group focuses on sustainable capacity building in neonatal care across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Jo’s contribution exemplifies the significant global impact Australian nurses can achieve, even from remote regions of Queensland.

“We’re incredibly proud of Jo,” said Karen Slater, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance at NWHHS. “Her dedication reflects the heart of our profession - care, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference wherever it’s needed most.”

Photographs capturing Jo’s work with families and staff in the Solomon Islands highlight the strong bonds formed and the profound human impact of these volunteer efforts.

This inspiring story showcases the generosity and quiet leadership of nurses like Jo La Spina, who go above and beyond, both at home and abroad.