The Minns Labor Government has launched a Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) service in Wagga Wagga, providing more women and families with access to midwifery continuity of care.
In June this year, a dedicated six-midwife Wagga Wagga MGP team was established and has capacity to care for up to 180 women a year, providing continuity of care with a known midwife.
Under the MGP model, women receive care from a known primary midwife throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth, and up to two weeks after birth. MGP midwives work as part of a small team to ensure support and minimise potential disruptions to care.
The Midwifery Group Practice in Leeton, established in 2017, continues to provide a midwifery led model of care for local families.
A review of the criteria for MGP is also enabling more women with higher-level care needs to access the service, where clinically appropriate, or to stay in the program if they develop risk factors during pregnancy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"We want all women in NSW to have access to respectful, evidence-based maternity care.
"We have listened to the feedback that women want greater access to midwifery continuity of care, and I am really proud of the work Murrumbidgee Local Health District has undertaken to enable the expansion of its Midwifery Group Practice service.
"Since coming to government, we've expanded maternity services across NSW including new Midwifery Group Practice services at Port Macquarie, Glen Innes, Goulburn, Moruya, Shoalhaven and an expanded service in Wollongong.
"The collaboration between the Local Health District, local maternity consumers and the community ensures we can deliver the best possible care for women, their babies and their families."
Quotes attributable to MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford:
"Murrumbidgee Local Health District is deeply committed to improving maternity services in the region so that women, their babies and their families can have the best possible birthing experience.
"We have listened to, and learned from, the experiences of local women and families, including those raised during the birth trauma inquiry.
"A lot of work has been happening behind the scenes over the past 12 months. We ramped up our efforts in a number of areas, with a particular focus on increasing access to midwifery continuity of care models.
"I would like to thank the many staff, consumers and advocates who have worked to deliver these positive changes.
"I'd particularly like to acknowledge the members of the Wagga Wagga Maternity Consumer Advisory Committee who have supported the development of the Wagga Wagga Midwifery Group Practice."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr:
"It's pleasing to see this valued, evidence-based model of maternity care now available for women and families in my community.
"Improving accessibility to maternity and paediatric care in our regional, rural and remote communities is a focus of mine and this new MGP service in Wagga is positive step in the right direction."
