A new clinic within Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Health Hub is making maternity care more accessible for expectant parents in Darwin.
The University has recently opened the Student-led Midwifery Clinic, which provides antenatal and postnatal care at a significantly reduced cost.
Midwifery students are supervised by CDU Midwifery Lecturer and Endorsed Midwife Ishita Singhal, and the clinic will prioritise women without Medicare who are planning to give birth at Royal Darwin Hospital.
Antenatal appointments will involve determining the stage of pregnancy, the due date, conducting general health checkups and a review of medical history.
Postnatal appointments will focus on physical, emotional, and social assessments of the mother and infant.
CDU Dean of Nursing and Midwifery Professor Natasha Franklin said the clinic reflected the University’s commitment to improving health outcomes while reducing financial barriers for vulnerable families.
“This program makes essential maternity care financially accessible for women without Medicare,” Professor Franklin said.
“The clinic has capacity to support up to 40 women each year and will help to alleviate pressure on the hospital system.”
Women who enrol in the program are supported throughout their pregnancy and up to six weeks postnatally.
Associate Professor of Midwifery Rosemarie Hogan said the clinic would provide valuable real-world learning opportunities for midwifery students while strengthening the Northern Territory’s future maternity workforce.
“The clinic employs a continuity of care model. This creates greater opportunities for midwifery students to build trusting relationships,” Associate Professor Hogan said.
“It also allows for preventative healthcare and better supports outcomes for women and their families.”
