Six new midwives have begun at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service this month expanding access for pregnant women to receive one-on-one care from a dedicated midwife through the midwifery group practice program.
Minister for Health for Health and Ambulance Services Minister Steven Miles said four of the six midwives had joined the popular midwifery group practice team.
“Each of these midwives have taken on 40 local women, meaning a further 160 women have been able to receive this women-centred care model,” he said.
“These mums-to-be will have one dedicated midwife to care for them through their pregnancy, during the birth of their baby and up to six-weeks post-birth.
“Having a baby is a special time and we know that good maternity care means women are informed, assured and confident throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond resulting in safe births and healthy bub. Midwives are pivotal to that.”
Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors and Member for Mundingburra welcomed the new midwives.
“This is fantastic news for expecting mums here in Townsville,” she said.
“Every parent to be wants to make sure that their child is born in the safest possible environment, with the best midwives on hand.
“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering for women across the state, and that means Townsville is getting the best possible medical care from cradle to grave.”
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the announcement comes after the recent State Budget committed permanent and ongoing funding for an additional 100 midwives and 400 nurse navigators.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to restoring frontline services,” Mr Harper said.
“Since being elected in 2015, we’ve employed an additional 147 additional midwives and nurses and 119 doctors across Townsville Hospital and Health Service.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the additional staffing boost was a win for mums and bubs.
“Queensland is one of the safest places in the world to give birth, no matter what part of the state you’re in, and I’m so pleased to see maternity services in North Queensland strengthened even more,” Mr Stewart said.
“Women in our community will be able to get to know, trust and feel comfortable with their midwife during their pregnancy, right up to the early weeks of their babies’ lives.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service acting director of midwifery services Sari Holland said she was thrilled to see the service expanded to meet demand.
“Continuity of care is so important, and we know this is a style of care women value and prefer so we are delighted that it has been offered to more local women,” she said.
Sari said the two other midwives would focus on rural and remote birthing and the expanded midwifery group practice service.
“Working closely with our rural sites that offer birthing services is important to ensure they are connected and cohesive with our tertiary maternity services,” Sari said.
“With the number of women receiving care through the midwifery group practice increasing it was also important to make sure that this care was well-coordinated and delivered to women in a way that makes pregnancy and birth a positive experience.”
