Nearly 200 women have received care through Goulburn Base Hospital's Midwifery Group Practice since its establishment, providing continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Women and families in Goulburn are benefitting from improved access to midwifery continuity of care, with the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model at Goulburn Base Hospital celebrating two years of service.
Under the model, women receive care from a known primary midwife throughout their pregnancy, birth, and up to two weeks after birth. A dedicated small team of midwives work alongside local obstetricians to provide individualised maternity care.
Since the Goulburn MGP team was established in December 2024, nearly 200 women have received care through the MGP model.
The Goulburn MGP is one of five MGP models in Southern NSW Local Health District, with all maternity hospitals now having a MGP model.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to increasing access to midwifery continuity of care models across the state, which was supported by a $44.8 million investment in the 2025-26 NSW Budget, that includes funding for an additional 53 FTE midwives for regional NSW.
The former Coalition government closed 14 regional birthing services. The Minns Government has delivered 10 new or expanded midwifery group practices and 2 homebirth services across regional NSW.
Under Labor, the nursing and midwifery workforce in rural and regional NSW has grown by 2,440 FTE, and 34 midwives have commenced employment in regional NSW since we introduced $20,000 sign on bonus.
For more information, visit Pregnancy, birth and baby in Southern NSW.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"Labor is delivering better and more accessible birthing services in regional NSW.
"Under the Coalition, critical birthing services in regional NSW were closed or suspended. The Minns Government is correcting that, backed by an investment in new and expanded services and more staff.
"Since being elected, we have recruited and retained more midwives in the regions, ensuring we can keep midwifery continuity of care models like this one in Goulburn running.
"We know this model of care gives families more choice, offering pregnant women and new mothers in the region access to high-quality, safe and evidence-based maternity care."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn Bob Nanva MLC:
"It is vital that maternity care in regional NSW is as accessible and personalised as in metropolitan areas. A high-quality continuity of care model does just that, by prioritising the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of expectant mothers."
"This patient-first approach ensures greater feelings of trust and security for new mothers by promoting familiarity and consistency throughout the birth process."
Quotes attributable to SNSWLHD Chief Executive Margaret Bennett:
"We're proud to offer individualised, evidence-based care that supports women through one of life's most important journeys.
"Continuity of care with a known midwife leads to improved outcomes for women and babies. This approach also supports our midwives to work to their full scope of practice and ensure safe, coordinated care for every family."
Quotes attributable to SNSWLHD Acting Midwifery Manager Hannah Bird:
"I'm passionate about helping women feel supported and confident, and this model is all about teamwork. We're there for women from the first pregnancy care visit right through to two weeks after birth.
"Feedback from women about their experiences with the midwifery continuity of care model has been overwhelmingly positive."
