Vale Carina Costello: ‘Maker of mothers’ legacy to live on

With sadness we report the unexpected passing of much-loved Blacktown Hospital midwife Carina Costello.

Carina’s colleagues from Blacktown Hospital have penned the below open letter to the community and those who benefitted from Carina’s passion for midwifery. 

“Carina joined the Blacktown Hospital family in 2011 as a midwife in the birth unit,” the letter said.

“She quickly developed a love for continuity of care. 

“In 2013 Carina was welcomed in to the Midwifery Group Practice team where she was able to fulfil her passion for midwifery, continuity, women-centred-care and advocacy for women.

“It was in this position that she blossomed in to the amazing midwife that she was.

“Midwifery was Carina’s passion. She was a maker of mothers and her commitment to the woman and babies she cared for was unparalleled.

“Carina was awarded the International Nurses Day People’s Choice award in 2018 after being nominated by one of the women she cared for. She has been described by her women as being knowledgeable, supportive and strong.

“The feedback constantly flowed in: “Carina is my angel – she is the reason I had my babies so easily”, or “Her deep knowledge of what I was experiencing meant she shared information with me at precisely the right time.”

“Carina’s legacy lives on, and she has inspired many colleagues to pursue midwifery and particularly continuity of care for women.

“Carina’s friends and colleagues will remember her for her fierce loyalty, compassion and truth telling.

“Her personality was larger than life, she was charismatic, vivacious, enthusiastic and humble. A self-confessed ‘coffee snob’ and animal lover, Carina will also be remembered for her love of her pet cats.

“Carina will be deeply missed by all of us who worked with her and all of the families that she helped to create.”

Rest in Peace Carina Costello

16 September 1987 – 3 April 2020