Women and families in the Taree region now have improved access to midwifery continuity of care, with the launch of a Midwifery Group Practice model at Manning Hospital.
Under the new model, women will receive collaborative care from a known midwife throughout pregnancy, labour and birth, and up to six weeks after birth.
Postnatal care includes reassurance and support, breastfeeding assistance, and early identification of any health concerns, helping to improve outcomes and support women and families as they transition home.
The new team at Manning Hospital includes 5 dedicated midwives, with capacity to care for up to 160 women per year.
Led by a Clinical Midwifery Unit Manager, a dedicated team of midwives will deliver the Midwifery Group Practice service and work closely with local General Practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal Medical Services and obstetricians to provide individualised, culturally safe, evidence‑based maternity care for eligible women in the community.
Referrals to the model started being accepted from GPs in May this year.
The Manning Hospital Midwifery Group Practice service is part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing access to midwifery continuity of care models across the state, which was supported by a $44.8 million investment into maternity care in the 2025-26 NSW Budget that includes funding for an additional 53 FTE midwives in regional NSW.
Since 2023, the Minns Labor Government has opened a total of ten new regional Midwifery Group Practices in Glen Innes, Port Macquarie, Goulburn, Queanbeyan, Bega, Moruya, Wagga Wagga, Shoalhaven, Cooma, and expanded the service in Wollongong.
To learn more, visit the Hunter New England Local Health District website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"We want all women in NSW to have access to respectful, evidence based maternity care, and the establishment of the Midwifery Group Practice at Manning Hospital is an important step toward achieving this aim.
"I'm delighted that women and families in the Taree region will now have the option to receive midwifery continuity of care, which we know leads to better outcomes and more positive experiences.
"This model strengthens local maternity services and supports women from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal families, to access care that is consistent, compassionate and tailored to their needs."
Quotes attributable to Labor spokesperson for Myall Lakes Emily Suvaal:
"This Midwifery Group Practice at Manning Hospital expands choice for women and families in the region, giving them access to the kind of personalised, continuous maternity care every community deserves.
"This is a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of local families, and I'm proud to see this model of care now available to the Taree community."
Quotes attributable to Hunter New England Local Health District Executive Director Nursing & Midwifery, Elizabeth Grist OAM:
"Midwifery continuity of care is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes for women and babies. Our team is proud to bring this model to the Taree community.
"Having a known midwife walk alongside a woman throughout her pregnancy journey builds trust, enhances communication, and supports safer, more satisfying birth experiences."
